Is there really a perfect age to start preschool? And how do you know which preschool is best when it's time to make your choice? Here's how you can think about choosing a preschool!

In Sweden, according to the Education Act, all children have the right to start preschool from the age of 1, i.e. the day they turn 1. However, it is difficult to say whether there is a "perfect" age for starting preschool, as all children are so different. Factors that may play a role in deciding when to start preschool include the child's development, temperament, the nature of the preschool the child will attend and the parents' work situation. You, as a parent, know your child best and know when it is time to start preschool.

Most children in Sweden start preschool between the ages of 1-2. There are, of course, both advantages and disadvantages to letting your child start preschool at the age of 1, or waiting until 1.5 or later. A child who starts earlier may often be more fearless and find it easier to adapt to the new everyday life. A child who starts later has had more time to develop social skills and often benefits more from social contact with other children, a need that increases with age. By the age of 1.5, the child has also developed more motor and verbal skills, which makes it easier for the child to get around and show what they need.

The preschool's mission is to ensure that all children have their needs met, and that no matter when your child starts, they are well cared for. Pre-school is all about preparing your child to be happy, play, eat and sleep at pre-school. As a parent, you do not need to think about practicing these things at home before the preschool, but the preschool teachers usually take care of this together with the children - something that usually goes very well.

What should you consider when choosing a preschool?

Feel free to visit the different pre-schools you choose from to try to get an idea of what they seem like and what the daily work is like. Does it feel like a pleasant place you want to stay in? How do the staff interact with the children? What is their orientation and focus at the preschool? Talk to the preschool staff and tell them about your child! Dare to ask questions and be curious. Feel how you are treated as a parent and how they talk about children and children's needs.

Other aspects to consider include the size of the groups of children and whether there is a high turnover of staff at the pre-school. Then, of course, there are more practical aspects to consider, such as proximity to home or work, etc. All information on pre-schools can usually be found on your municipality's website.

Choosing a preschool is not easy and some preschools have long queues while others do not. Go for what works for your everyday life and what you think is best for you and your child.

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