Pre-primary education

Definition

Programmes at the initial stage of organized instruction, primarily designed to introduce very young children, aged at least 3 years, to a school-type environment and provide a bridge between home and school. Variously referred to as infant education, nursery education, pre-school education, kindergarten or early childhood education, such programmes are the more formal component of Early Childhood Care and Education. Upon completion of these programmes, children continue their education at ISCED 1 (primary education).

Example of use

In Kazakhstan, pre-primary education classes prepare 5- or 6-year-olds who have never attended pre-school (especially in rural areas) for formal schooling through a 32-week crash course in school readiness. There is some concern that such classes focus too narrowly on academics kills; it is important to focus as well on children's emotional well-being, which is vital to their adjustment to primary schooling (Choi, 2006). France's lieux passerelles, ‘crossing places’ for children with no experience of early childhood activities outside the home, are designed to foster socialization with peers and transition from home to pre-school through structured activities and free play. Parents, often from poor, immigrant backgrounds, get staff support in separating from their children, meeting other parents, and taking a role in their children’s education (Neuman and Peer, 2002). Though the focus is on transition from home to the école maternelle (pre-school) –the first contact with the school system for many immigrant families – similar activities can be adapted to transition to primary school (UNESCO, 2006: 164).