1.1 PRESCHOOL EDUCATION (choice, enrolment, mandatory preschool year)

MŠ

CHOICE OF KINDERGARTEN ( MŠ)

Preschool education is important for general childhood development, language learning and peer- group interactions.

Kindergartens are usually intended for children ages three to six, in individual cases approved by the school director, from age two.

Children of EU citizens have the same access to pre-school education as Czech children. Third-country nationals (citizens of non-EU countries) must provide proof that their stay in the Czech Republic is legal (a permanent or temporary residence permit lasting over 90 days) on the day their child starts kindergarten attendance, at the latest. It is not required to provide residence permit for the pre-school year, which is mandatory for children over 5 years of age and free of tuition. Besides state kindergarten, there are also private and church kindergartens.

Parents have the right to choose a kindergarten. Their choice can be based on the school´s educational approach, the variety of after-school activities, etc. Children who live in the state kindergarten‘s catchment area are accepted preferentially.

ENROLMENT

Kindergarten enrolment day takes place once a year, usually in May. Precise enrolment day dates and locations are determined by kindergarten directors together with the competent Department of Education.

The main criteria for acceptance include catchment area (all MŠ within the bounds of the municipality / city district are generally catchment schools) and age. The kindergarten director has to prioritise children requiring compulsory preschool education. Older children also tend to take priority over younger ones. Other criteria may include siblings in the same kindergarten, the parents’ jobs, etc.

If a parent submits an admissions application outside of the registration period, for example after moving house, the child may still be accepted if the school has room.

You can appeal rejection decisions in writing.

YOU MUST SUBMIT

A filled-in application form.
A legal residence permit (not necessary for the preschool year).
The child’s birth certificate.
A doctor‘s certificate (proof of vaccination).

FEES

In state kindergartens, parents pay a tuition fee (except for the preschool year, which is free of charge) and meal fees. The prices are determined by the organizing body. In private schools, the fees may be up to thirteen times higher.

APPROXIMATE PRICE OF MEALS AT STATE KINDERGARTENS FOR ONE DAY:
full day of meals (snack, lunch, afternoon snack): 45 CZK
half day of meals (snack, lunch): 30 CZK

Children are dropped off and picked up from school by their parents or a person authorized by the parents. This (written) authorisation must be filed with the kindergarten the child attends.
A teacher will not release a child to a third party without this authorisation! Teachers are entitled to send a sick child back home to protect the other children!
Parents are obliged to inform the kindergarten of any planned absence. If the absence is unplanned, they must do so as soon as possible (e.g. illness).