How early is too early to start kindergarten? Can you start too late and which kindergarten is best?

When is an optimal time to start kindergarten, from the child's point of view?

The best time to start nursery school varies depending on the child's development and temperament, the nature of the nursery school and the practical arrangements for the parent or parents' work situation. It is you parents who know your child best and know when it is time to start. Most children in Sweden start preschool around 1-2 years of age. The advantages of waiting a little longer than one year and letting the child start at the age of 1.5 years, for example, are that the child has had more time to develop their social skills and benefits more from social contact with other children. The child has also developed more motor and verbal skills, which makes it easier to get around and show what you need. The preschool should ensure that all children have their needs met, so no matter when your child starts, they will be well looked after. The induction itself should provide the preparation the child needs to thrive, play, eat and sleep at the preschool, so parents don't need to worry about practicing things at home for the induction.

What should I consider when choosing a pre-school?
Feel free to visit the different preschools you choose from to try to get an idea of what they seem like. Does it feel like a pleasant place you want to stay? How do the staff interact with the children? Also talk to the preschool staff and tell them about your child. Feel how you are treated as a parent and how they talk about children and their needs.

Other aspects to consider are the size of the groups of children and whether there is a high turnover of staff at the preschool. Of course, practical aspects such as proximity to home are also important when choosing a preschool.

Want to read an article on choosing a preschool? Click here here!