How to Choose the Right Kindergarten
Choosing the right kindergarten for your child is one of the biggest and most important decisions you, as a parent, will have to make.
In Prague, there are almost 400 kindergartens registered with the Ministry of Education and over 300 kindergartens (known as “children groups” or dětské skupiny in Czech) registered with the Ministry of Labour and Social Work. This means there are over 700 institutions to choose from.
To help you make this big decision, here are the first three things to consider:
1. Location
The first logical step is to filter based on location. Especially with younger children, a commute longer than 30-45 minutes can become overwhelming over time. While it is possible and sometimes worth it to commute further, the wide selection of preschools and kindergartens in Prague means you are likely to find one that meets your requirements within a reasonable distance.
Our Preschool, Little Lynx, is located in a calm courtyard on Machova Street, Prague 2. The tram station Jana Masaryka is about 5 minutes away, and the subway station Namesti Miru is 10 minutes away. What excites us the most is Grebovka, an amazing park with two playgrounds, lots of green areas, trees, and other magical corners to explore, just a 3-minute walk down the hill from us. More about our physical education program Little Lynx Sports Academy in this blog. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified once the article is out.
2. Overall Approach to Childcare and Education
With so many kindergartens available, every parent can find one that matches their vision of the perfect kindergarten. Consider whether you prefer a traditional, academic, or alternative approach or something in between.
Do you expect your child to be able to read and write before they start school? While that is not the standard in the Czech Republic, some kindergartens focus on these skills more than others. Do you want your child to spend all day exploring nature? There are even forest kindergartens in the center of Prague. One amazing forest kindergarten in the city center is Cherry Tree.
At Little Lynx Preschool, our core principles are high-quality care and education with an individual approach. We intentionally keep our groups small, with two teachers always present. We know our children well: their strengths and the areas that need more nurturing. We offer developmentally appropriate and educational activities to enhance children’s natural talents and foster a love for learning. We focus on pre-school academic skills. We also include elements of the Montessori method.
3. People
There is a significant difference between public and private educational institutions regarding their teachers and staff.
In private institutions, the director/founder is an important person for parents to know. The director holds the vision and is involved in all major decisions, shaping the direction of the kindergarten. If you like the director and their vision, it’s a reassurance that they will surround themselves with like-minded teachers and caregivers.
In public kindergartens, the individual teacher and caregiver play a more significant role. It is common to find teachers with varying approaches within the same public kindergarten. As a parent, it’s important to know who your child’s exact caregiver will be and ensure their vision aligns with yours.
At Little Lynx Preschool, we have a well-tested process for selecting the right people. Marie, the founder, has many years of experience managing hiring processes across different industries. However, she is not the sole decision-maker when it comes to hiring. We aim to create a positive, family-like community for the kids, parents, and teachers. That’s why the whole team collaborates to select the best people to join us.
We are especially proud of our Head Teacher, Marielle, whose 19 years of experience and expertise shine in her every interaction with the children. Marielle’s unique ability to combine the Cambridge Preschool Curriculum with Montessori techniques ensures that each child feels encouraged and well cared for. Her passion and dedication make her a true role model for both children and staff.
Learn more about Marielle and our exceptional team on Our Team page.
By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision and find the kindergarten that best fits your child’s needs and your expectations.
