Government Contributions to Preschool Education
Although preschool education is the responsibility of local governments, the state provides financial support each year to ensure that all children have the opportunity to attend kindergarten. This funding aims to reduce disparities caused by differences in families’ social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
Funding Allocation and Adjustments
Funds for mandatory preschool education are allocated from January to August. At the beginning of the new school year, the budget is adjusted based on the updated number of children. Last year, the Ministry allocated more than two million euros to municipalities for this period.
Criteria for Mandatory Preschool Education
Mandatory preschool education is provided to children from families at social risk. It may also be assigned to children whose parents lack social or positive parenting skills, children with special educational needs whose parents do not provide adequate support, or children whose families are experiencing difficulties such as unemployment. These children attend kindergarten alongside their peers, and educational support specialists assist both the children and their parents when needed.
Current Statistics on Mandatory Preschool Education
According to the Student Registry, in 2025, mandatory preschool education will be provided to 785 children, compared to 741 children last year.
State Investment in Preschool Education Development
By 2027, the state plans to invest over €78 million from EU funds in the development, accessibility, and quality of preschool education. Nearly half of this amount will be allocated to measures ensuring that children from socially vulnerable families and those with special educational needs can participate in preschool education, helping to reduce disparities and provide equal opportunities for successful schooling.
Preschool Enrollment Rates
In the current academic year, 95.5% of children aged 2 to 5 are enrolled in preschool programs in Lithuania, compared to 94.7% in the previous academic year.
Lietuvosvalstybe.com
Sources: The Ministry of Education, Science and Sports of the Republic of Lithuania
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