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The Czech government is considering extending compulsory preschool education from one year to two, meaning children could be required to attend kindergarten from the age of four.
Education Minister Robert Plaga (ANO) said the proposal aims to provide earlier support for children who may need additional help before starting primary school.
“Schools need more psychologists, special educators and other experts who can support both children and teachers. This support must begin as early as possible, already in kindergarten,” Plaga said in a video published on Facebook.
He added that early intervention can improve children’s chances of success later in life.
Currently, preschool education is compulsory in Czechia only for children who turn five before the start of the school year.
The minister argues that earlier attendance could help children from disadvantaged backgrounds or those facing difficult situations at home.
“A child’s more challenging behavior is not always caused by a lack of interest in education. In some cases, children are dealing with difficult circumstances and need support before their problems become more serious,” Plaga said.
He added that helping children develop their abilities or overcome difficult periods represents a long-term investment in society.
Lack of kindergarten places remains a challenge
The possible extension of compulsory preschool education could also create new pressure on kindergartens, which already face capacity problems in some parts of the country.
The shortage of places is especially visible around large cities, where growing numbers of families are moving. In contrast, some border regions, including parts of the Ústí nad Labem and Karlovy Vary regions, are struggling with declining populations and fewer children.
Analyst Jiří Münich from PAQ Research said that requiring four-year-olds to attend kindergarten could help maintain schools in areas affected by demographic decline.
“Four-year-olds attend kindergarten less often because it is not compulsory. Their arrival could help compensate for the decline in the number of children in some regions,” he said.
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