Choosing Early Education

Understanding Preschool vs. Kindergarten and Supporting Your Child at Home

The appropriate age for children to spend with family before school age is not fixed in Nepal. Most parents remain uncertain about the right age for early childhood education, as school placement is often influenced by local norms. However, determining when to start early childhood education depends on the child's maturity, individual circumstances, and family situation. Experts generally recommend enrolling children in early childhood education centers between 18 months and 3 years, but foundational education should begin at home. Teaching etiquette, cultural norms, manners, and customs is crucial during this developmental stage, as 80% of the brain develops by age 3 and 90% by age 5. Therefore, focusing on social behavior, values, and practical life skills at home before formal schooling them with 'ka kha ga' is essential because education encompasses more than writing and letter learning.

Understanding the distinction between preschool and kindergarten is crucial for parents navigating their children's educational journey. Both play significant roles in a child's development, yet they differ in age range, curriculum, and objectives. Preschool focuses on cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development through play-based activities and a child-centered approach. It aims to build social skills, language abilities, and confidence. Kindergarten, part of Nepal's basic education system, prepares children for primary education with activities that foster reading, writing, counting, number recognition, and problem-solving skills.

Preschool typically serves children aged 2.5 to 3.5 (Playgroup to Nursery), while Kindergarten is for ages 4.5 to 5.5 (LKG to UKG). Despite these guidelines, statistics from 2079 indicate children as young as 1.5 years old being enrolled in Playgroup and 2.5 years old in Nursery, highlighting varying practices.

The main focus of pre-school is to develop a child's cognitive, emotional, social and physical abilities through recreational activities and a child-centered approach. Children learn through exploration, hands-on learning and cooperative play. Pre-school helps children develop social and emotional skills, language and communication skills. It builds confidence through encouragement and praise. Kindergarten on the other hand, is formal education. It is a part of basic and primary education system in Nepal. Kindergarten curriculum focuses on preparing children for primary education. Children engage in age-appropriate activities that develop their reading, writing, counting, number recognition and problem-solving skills.

Attending preschool is optional, while Kindergarten is mandatory. Parents may opt to start their child's education directly at Kindergarten, skipping preschool. Alternatively, children below the age of four can spend time at home fostering social education, love, affection, responsibility, and confidence through simple tasks like cleaning up toys, demonstrating manners, and encouraging independence. After they cross the age of four, admitting them in kindergarten would also be an effective decision that parents can take.

When selecting a preschool or kindergarten, parents should consider factors such as physical infrastructure, learning materials, teacher qualifications, health and nutrition services, location, transportation, and fees. Both levels of education play pivotal roles in holistic child development beyond English learning and writing.

In pre-primary and kindergarten, reading is taught through playful activities involving art, music, and exploration, enhancing creativity and making learning enjoyable. Therefore, parents should recognize these stages as opportunities for holistic growth rather than mere language and writing skills. One of the major reasons behind this argument, is that children's hands are not developed enough to write by the age of 5.

Parents should utilize scaffolding techniques, providing temporary support and guidance while gradually promoting independent learning and skill development. This approach includes encouraging children to complete homework independently without physically guiding their hands or tracing letters, allowing them breaks in-between homework, and so on.

In conclusion, parents must grasp the distinctions between preschool and kindergarten, value both formal and informal education, and prioritize practical education during early childhood for optimal growth and development.

By: Disu Bhandari, Principal of Eurasian School and Head of Pre School Department, Guheshwari Boarding High School. Disu Bhandari Manandhar, with her 23 years of experience in the Education Sector, is an esteemed expert in child development and parenting. As the Head of the Pre School Department at Guheshwari Boarding High School, her comprehensive skills set includes counseling, education, training, and facilitation of SPN and National Parenting Packages. Her profound knowledge and dedication have made her a cornerstone in the field of education and child development