Is kindergarten mandatory?

"Zerówka" is a colloquial term for the one-year mandatory preschool program. It is intended for children who turn 6 in a given calendar year and may complete it in preschool, elementary school, or through homeschooling, provided they meet certain requirements.

Below, we’ll take a look at the most important issues regarding whether preschool is mandatory, whether there’s a difference between the preparation provided in elementary school and in preschool, and what requirements must be met if we want to fulfill the preschool requirement through homeschooling.

Where can a young child fulfill their preschool requirement?

Parents have several options to choose from when it comes to where their children can attend preschool. These include:

• private or public preschools,
• preschool program at an elementary school,
• homeschooling,
• other forms of preschool education (such as preschool centers).

At this point, it is important to note a few very important issues. First, Pre-K in preschool and Pre-K in elementary school follow the same core curriculum. Second, homeschooling does not mean that our child does not have to be formally enrolled in any school.

The child must be enrolled in preschool or school, and the principal must grant permission for this obligation to be fulfilled through homeschooling (an appropriate application must be submitted for this purpose). In such cases, the child’s teachers may be the parents, legal guardians, or other individuals designated by them.

Which is better—preschool at school or at a preschool?

There is no clear-cut answer here. It all depends on the individual preferences of the child and his or her parents. If the child has already attended preschool (for example, at age five), choosing the one-year mandatory preparatory program at the same school will have many advantages for him or her.

A familiar place, friends, and the same route he’ll take every day with Mom or Dad will certainly have a positive impact on his sense of security. It’s important to note here that six-year-olds in preschool will not learn any less than they would in kindergarten, which is part of elementary school.

At what age does a child start preschool?

As we mentioned earlier, Pre-K is mandatory for children who turn six during a given calendar year. In practice, this means that if your child’s birthday is in December, they must begin the one-year pre-K program in September..

The exception is six-year-olds who will start first grade earlier. In that case, they no longer complete the one-year preschool program.

Is Pre-K Mandatory? – Key Information

• The term “zerówka” is a colloquial expression. The regulations use the term “one-year preschool preparation.” It is mandatory for children who turn 6 in a given calendar year.
• Parents have several options when it comes to fulfilling this obligation. A young child can attend preschool (private or public), a preschool program at an elementary school, or be homeschooled.
• It's important to know that Homeschooling does not mean that a child does not have to be enrolled in any educational institution. With the principal’s approval, instruction may take place outside of school or preschool—that is, at home—and parents, legal guardians, or other individuals designated by them may serve as teachers.
• Both preschool and kindergarten follow the same core curriculum. It is largely up to the parents to decide which program will be better for their child.

ItsyBitsy Private Preschool in Warsaw This is a place where we focus on a personalized approach to the children in our care. We believe that every child is unique—each has their own interests, needs, and strengths, but also has off days that require understanding. We emphasize a close, caring approach and daily English language learning. However, this isn’t just another subject—it’s something that accompanies the children during playtime, meals, or rest periods.

If you’re looking for a preschool in Warsaw where your child can happily explore the world every day, please review the enrollment details. We’d be happy to answer any questions and address any concerns you may have.