Costa Rica News – Preschool is going to be a requirement to enter first grade in Costa Rica starting in 2018.
Parents of children entering first grade will have to show a certificate of attendance in order to enroll.
Additionally, the age of admission was reduced. Four year olds will be able to enter “maternal” and five year olds “transicion.” Both of these preschool years are to be required.
It is already compulsory as per the Constitution but it will not be fully complied with until next year. Even next year, there will be some flexibility as some families may not know of the rule change. Also, if they live in an area without a preschool they will be exempt.
Recent research shows that attending preschool encourages learning in areas including sensory, motor, affective, communicative, language and cognitive.
It leads to greater success in elementary and secondary school too.
