Organization of Pre-School Education in Sweden

In 1985 the Swedish Parliament passed a resolution to the effect that by 1991 all children from 11/2 years of age, shall have the right to participate in educational activities in pre-school either as full time day care centers, part time groups or open pre-schools. The educational program was published in March 1987 was designed with the help of a group of experts. The aims of the program 1. The purpose of having a standard educational program to simulate further the development of pre-schools nationwide. 2. This program is meant to be used by all pre-schools in Sweden, day-care centers, part time preschool groups and other organization responsible for the care of children under seven years of age. Goals of pre-school program The goals of pre-school education program in Sweden are based on the democratic values expressed in the Social Service Act as mentioned below: In cooperation with parents, pre schools should aim at providing each child with the best possible conditions for his/her mental and emotional development. Lay the foundation for the childs development as an open considerate person, capable of empathizing and cooperating with others and be able to use good judgment and solve problems. Help this child to develop the desire to learn and to use knowledge to improve his/her own life as well as the lives of others.

The educational program is divided into three groups under the titles nature, culture and society. Nature : Pre Schools should help children feel a sense of responsibility for nature provide experiences t help acquire basic knowledge about themselves and the environment as well as the forces of nature and how they can be used. Children should be assisted to understand the basics about time, mathematics, cause and effects. Culture: Pre-schools should help children in their language development and other forms of expression leading to increasing image formation and forms in music, song, rhythms and drama also should help children to understand and respect their own social and cultural environments as well as those of others.

Society: Preschool should help to make children get acquainted with their own nearby society, how the various parts of society fit together, and what means for everyday living. Children learn and develop through interaction with their own environment. The pre-schools teachers work and children participation in daily tasks are also important sources of inspiration, and they help the children to learn about responsibility.