In defining preparatory preschool programmes, parents have actually defined what they see as the greatest value of preschool education facilities and programmes. For most parents of preschool-aged children the greatest value of preschool education is contained in the opportunities for socialisation (49 per cent) and in preparation for school (39 per cent). The importance of acquiring knowledge necessary for later formal schooling is cited significantly more often by Roma parents (53 per cent) than by parents of preschool-aged children from general population (37 per cent). Figure 8. Preparatory preschool programme, definition by parents of preschool-aged children. Percentage distribution Preparation for school
44.4
Socialisation and adaptation of preschool-aged children to school
16.7
Activities like those in kindergartens or playgroups
15.3
Learning basic things through play
14.4
Don’t know the details
3.7
Mandatory preparation for school
2.2
Positive activities for children and parents
1.7
Burden for children and parents
1.6 .0
20.0
40.0
60.0
80.0
100.0
The majority of parents of preschool-aged children are aware of the availability of preparatory preschool programmes for children in the year before starting primary school. However, many parents do not realise the overall and multiple benefits of these programmes for early childhood development, which include positive effects not only on the cognitive or social, but also the emotional and psychomotor development of the child.