What Is Preschool/Kindergarten?
Preschool education is established to develop both mental and physical growth of children before they start their primary education at a primary school. Preschool aims to provide an external environment for children outside of their homes where they can learn new things. In Indonesia, there are a variety of preschool education that ranges from kindergartens, child care centres and playgroups.
Kindergartens are monitored by the Ministry of Education and Cultural Development while child care centres and play groups are monitored by the Ministry of Social Affairs. Besides that, religious Islamic preschools, also known as Bustanual Atfal or Raudlatul Atfal, are supervised by the Ministry of Religious Affairs. Although preschool education is not compulsory in Indonesia, there is currently an increasing community support of preschool education for children whereby the number of preschools and teachers are increasing across the country.
What Age Do Kids Start Preschool in Indonesia?
Children in Indonesia who are under the age of four usually attend a playgroup known as PAUD, which stands for Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini. As for children ages four and above, they attend kindergarten, which is known as Taman Kanak-Kanak (TK) in Indonesia.
What Topics are Learned at Preschools in Indonesia?
Children in preschools learn Pancasila (state ideology), language skills, discipline, religious studies, creative skills, social skills, physical and health knowledge and many others. The classroom instruction is usually carried out in Indonesia’s national language, Bahasa Indonesia. As for Islamic-based preschool, children attending study the precepts and traditions of the Islamic religion.
Types of Preschools in Indonesia
Preschools in Indonesia such as child care centres, play groups, and kindergartens are usually run privately as it is not a compulsory form of education. There are local preschools, religion-based preschools and international preschools. Currently, there are approximately 49,000 kindergartens in Indonesia.
How Do You Apply to Preschool in Indonesia
Since most preschools in Indonesia are privately owned, parents can do their own research and shortlist schools based on their requirements such as fees, location and curriculum offered. In addition, parents can go on preschool tours and visit Open Days for more information. Parents can contact the schools personally to ask for registration details and provide the documentation and paperwork needed.
What are the Average Fees for Preschool in Indonesia?
The average fees for preschool in Indonesia depends on the types of preschool. A standard preschool in Indonesia might cost around US$35 per month while international preschools can cost up to US$6,000 per year. Bear in mind that preschools with a higher status may charge a Capital Levy as an entry prerequisite.
References:
- https://education.stateuniversity.com/pages/662/Indonesia-EDUCATIONAL-SYSTEM-OVERVIEW.html
- https://www.justlanded.com/english/Indonesia/Indonesia-Guide/Education/Early-education-in-Indonesia
- https://www.expat.or.id/info/preschool.html#:~:text=Cost%20of%20Preschools%20in%20Indonesia&text=A%20neighborhood%20Indonesian%20TK%20will,can%20cost%20%246%2C000%2B%2Fyear.
