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After approving the amendments initiated by the president, the Seimas approved the implementation of several substantial changes in preschool and preschool education.
Substantial changes
First, universal preschool education was supported. Universal preschool education does not mean that this education is compulsory. This means that if the family wants the child to participate in the preschool education program, the founder (municipality) must guarantee that opportunity for all children.
According to the new amendments adopted from 2023. September 1 Education according to the pre-school education program will be universal from the age of 4, from 2024. September 1 – from the age of 3, from 2025. September 1 – from 2 years.
It was agreed that compulsory preschool education for children growing up in conditions of social risk would be introduced from the next school year. The municipalities will take care of this and education will be financed from the state budget.
Compulsory preschool education will take effect on September 1, 2021. According to preliminary estimates, it could be used for about 1,500 children each year.
It was also agreed that after 2023. Pre-school education could start when the child turns 5 years old, and primary education, when the child turns 6 years old.
It is true that parents and guardians have the option of starting their education one year later or spending two years in a preschool program to better prepare for primary education.
“It just came to our knowledge then. The same previous provision of the law is maintained, both at 6 and 7 years. Here, it is possible for parents to create more flexible conditions for gifted children if the children can, and when start school. And for those who cannot – even more flexible conditions for a longer education – not for one, but for two years, because not everyone is enough for one year, “said Eugenijus Jovaiša, chairman of the Committee on Education and Science.
In this case, the child would begin to attend the preschool program when he turns 5 in that calendar year, and will reach first grade when he turns 7 in that calendar year.
What is the order now?
Currently, the preschool education program lasts for one year and begins when the child turns 6 years old, and primary education begins when the child turns 7 years old.
True, preschool and primary education for a child can be provided a year earlier than usual.
2018 found that about 36 percent. Children at social risk are not educated in Lithuania under the pre-school education program, although education would be the most beneficial for them.
56 members of the Seimas voted in favor, two against 2, 13 abstained.
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