Parents can enroll their children at a kindergarten until September 1. They can choose any kindergarten, but it is preferable to choose those nearest to their residence.
Maria Vrancean, adviser at the Ministry of Education, said that the lowest kindergarten enrollment rates were recorded in the districts Ocnita, Calarasi, Floresti, Soroca, Causeni, Hancesti and Briceni, all under 58%. At the opposite end are the districts Taraclia, Rascani, Drochia and the Chisinau Municipality with enrollment rates over 72%.
According to Vrancean, the parents of children with special educational needs (SEN) must call the Psycho-Pedagogical Assistance Services (PAS) created in each district to evaluate the children. After the evaluations, parents will receive recommendations for a Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
“In some kindergartens, with aid from international organizations, we created specialized services of rehabilitation and support for children with SEN (speech therapy, psychological and physiotherapy services, etc.), funded by local public authorities. Also, transportation of children from home to kindergartens and back is provided. Beginning with 2014, the state will encourage the creation of resource centers in pre-school education institutions and the employment of pedagogues for kids with SEN”, said Maria Vrancean.
Head of the Chisinau division for education, youth and sport Tatiana Nagnibeda-Tverdohleb said that the number of enrollment requests is higher than last year. “In Chisinau, there are 36,500 children of pre-school age and 153 kindergartens”, informed the official.
According to data from the Ministry of Education, there are 143,500 children of pre-school age in Moldova, 3800 more than last year.
