Parents of young children often ask themselves: is kindergarten mandatory? Especially when a child approaches preschool age, families must decide whether to enroll their child in an educational institution or wait a bit longer. Contrary to what one might think, the answer is not entirely straightforward. Kindergarten in Poland is mandatory only for some children. So when does it become a necessity, and when is it simply a matter of parental choice?
Kindergarten and the child’s age
According to Polish law, kindergarten is not mandatory for children aged 3 to 5. During this period, the decision whether a child attends kindergarten is entirely up to the parents or legal guardians. There is no legal requirement or consequence if the child stays at home or attends another form of care—such as a nursery, children’s club, or is looked after by a nanny or family member.
However, the situation changes when the child turns 6 years old.
Mandatory one-year preschool preparation
In Poland, one year of preschool preparation, commonly known as “zerówka” (zero grade), is mandatory for all six-year-olds. This means that every child of this age must begin formal education either in a kindergarten or in a primary school (in a preparatory class), regardless of whether they attended any earlier educational institution.
The aim of this compulsory preschool year is to prepare children for the first grade of primary school—developing social, emotional, motor, and basic language and math skills. Children learn how to function in a group, become more independent, and enhance their cognitive abilities in a way that suits their age and developmental stage.
Can the preschool obligation be deferred?
The obligation to attend the preparatory year can be deferred in exceptional cases, but this requires an official opinion from a psychological-pedagogical counseling center. If a specialist determines that the child is not yet ready to participate in preschool or preparatory classes, they may recommend postponing the obligation. Such cases are rare and usually involve children with clear developmental, health, or emotional difficulties.
What are the consequences of not enrolling a child in the preparatory class?
Since preschool preparation is mandatory for six-year-olds, parents who do not fulfill this obligation may be summoned by the appropriate authority to provide an explanation. In extreme cases, they may be fined. In practice, however, local governments usually try to contact the family first and offer assistance in finding a suitable place for the child.
It is also worth knowing that parents may choose whether the child completes the preparatory year in a kindergarten or primary school—the choice of institution is theirs. In both cases, the child follows the same curriculum.
Is it worth enrolling a child in kindergarten earlier?
Even though kindergarten for children under six is not mandatory, many experts—psychologists, educators, and speech therapists—emphasize the benefits of early attendance. Being part of a peer group supports the emotional, social, and communicative development of a child. Children learn how to function in a group, improve their language, cognitive, and motor skills.
Kindergarten is also a great environment to identify any developmental difficulties—thanks to the daily observations of experienced staff, it's possible to respond early and provide the right support when needed.
For many parents, kindergarten is also a practical solution—it allows them to return to work and better balance family life with professional responsibilities.
So, is kindergarten mandatory?
In Poland – no, not for all children. The obligation applies only to six-year-olds, who must attend a preparatory class (either in a kindergarten or a primary school). Younger children may attend kindergarten, but it is not required—the decision is up to the parents.
Although there is no obligation to enroll a 3-, 4-, or 5-year-old in kindergarten, it is worth considering due to the child’s social, emotional, and educational development. Kindergarten prepares children not only for school, but also for life in a group—in a world that increasingly demands social skills and independence from an early age.
