What Is Preschool/Kindergarten?
Preschools in Thailand and pre-Kindergartens in Thailand have a few similarities. They are categorised under the preprimary category which aims to promote kindergarten and school readiness in children. Both preschools and pre-Kindergartens in Thailand emphasise on the importance of play, discovery and hands-on learning. Activities such as music, dance, art, physical exercise (link to: https://educationdestinationmalaysia.com/blogs/5-benefits-of-physical-play) and dramatic play can be found in both preschools and pre-Kindergartens.
Next, preschools and pre-Kindergartens in Thailand promote the developmental learning and growth in children. The education a child receives in the preschool and pre-Kindergarten in Thailand will help build communication skills, self-confidence and self-esteem alongside academic skills.
The term, ‘kindergarten’, was coined by Friedrich Froebel, a German educator. The Kindergarten Movement introduced the concept of children as plants and teachers as the gardeners who take care of them - kinder meaning child and garten meaning garden.
What Age Do Kids Start Preschool in Thailand?
Typically, most children enter preschools in Thailand at age four or five. There are also programmes that cater to three year-olds. However, the decision of when a child enters preschools is solely up to the parents. Several factors should be taken into consideration by parents who want to enrol their children in preschool. These factors are age, maturity, sociability, and temperament, among others.
In Thailand, children can enter preschool at the age of three. Preschool education lasts for three years in Thailand. However, it is not compulsory for children to attend preschool in Thailand. The childcare services are then divided into three different categories, including kindergarten for 2–3 year olds and preschool for children going to primary school the forthcoming year. The third category comprises child development centres that take on children aged 2–5 years old.
What Topics are Learnt at Preschool in Thailand?
There are many types of early childhood education in Thailand available today but play-based learning is one of the most popular. In play-based learning, children learn by interacting with the world around them. Activities include doing puzzles, playing with blocks, painting and drawing, reading books and listening to stories or poetry. Children also play dress up and participate in music, dance and drama activities. In terms of physical exercise, children climb and play on outdoor equipment. The run, swing and jump with other children. Playing with clay, sand, water, paint, paper and colours are also common in play-based learning.
Types of Preschools in Thailand
There are three basic types of preschools and kindergartens in Thailand. They are child development centres, private schools, and public schools. Formal kindergarten education is offered by both public and private schools.
As early childhood education in Thailand is optional, a number of private preschools have emerged to provide an international preschool curriculum for children. Majority of private preschools in Thailand are located in Bangkok. Every provincial capital in Thailand has at least one kindergarten that serves as a model for the private sector.
How Do You Apply to Preschool in Thailand?
For preschools in Thailand, parents can send an application online or manually via a particular preschool. On the other hand, parents can conduct their own research on the application process when it comes to private preschools.
For private preschools in Thailand, 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 Thailand?
Early childhood education in Thailand is free of charge for all Thai children. On the other hand, private and international preschools have an average cost of USD1,000 to USD2,000 per semester. Fees for preschools vary greatly depending on whether they are privately owned preschools or government preschools. Therefore, it’s important for parents to find a preschool that fits their budget.
References
