Kindergarten is the first step in our educational system and is the traditional form of pre-school education for children aged four to six. In order to better take into account the individual level of development of the child, the age of entering kindergarten is flexible. Attendance of kindergarten is voluntary and free of charge. An exception applies to children who do not speak German. For them, the second year of kindergarten is compulsory, during which they receive German language lessons tailored to their needs. Children enrolled in kindergarten must attend regularly. After two years of kindergarten, children normally enter primary school.

Kindergarten complements and supports the education of the child in the family. The development of the child is promoted in its entirety. Moreover, kindergarten fulfils an educational goal of its own. Special emphasis is placed on social education and personal development, development of speech, the senses and movement, musical and rhythmic education and artistic development. The educational content is based on the curriculum for the Principality of Liechtenstein.

The kindergarten teachers observe, promote, and evaluate each individual child's behavior when playing, learning, interacting with other children, and working, and they discuss the child's development with parents. After two years of kindergarten, the children generally enter primary school, either 1^st grade, pre-school, or the introductory class.

Additional information (in German) is available from the Office of Education at www.sa.llv.li

Kindergarten is the first level of the Liechtenstein school system
(picture: Iramali Kindergarten in Balzers)