Education in early childhood is useful for a child and its development, therefore it is very important to give children the possibility of a preschool education. Investing in preschool education and childcare is the best investment for children and their future, but it also takes a lot of public and private sources of financing. Covering the costs of preschool education can present a big problem for parents, therefore in this thesis I will be researching the possibilities of introducing alternative sources of financing preschool education that would help parents.
For describing basic concepts and features of preschool education in Slovenia I have used a method of description and the comparative method to compare preschool education in Slovenia with preschool education in other European countries. Using the descriptive method I have presented alternative sources and analysis method to determine the possibility of introducing this very method in Slovenia. With the method of compilation I have presented the results.
Results have shown that in Slovenia preschool education is well organized, but in comparison to other countries more expensive. Furthermore, in other countries at least a part of preschool education is free of cost, meanwhile in Slovenia it is only co-financed. Analysis has shown there exists a possibility of introducing alternative sources of financing. It would be a big financial burden for the state to finance preschool for both age groups, if it would finance just the older group the financial burden would be smaller. In the case of co-financing private kindergartens with public funds, the financial burden would be divided between the state and the municipalities. Municipalities would still finance public kindergartens, while the state would finance private kindergartens.
Preschool education is an important part of the education process, that is why the state should make it available to all children. Further education is free, while the parents are covering most of the cost of preschool education. The state should find an appropriate way of financing preschool in order to increase involvment of children and take the financial burden from parents. I have focused on three alternative ways that could contribute to better accessibility and better involvement of children.
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