kap study preschool education in montenegro 2014

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of parents from the northern municipalities regarding pre-school education

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METHODOLOGY

2

Location: Montenegro

Data collecting period: From November 23th to December 23th

Sample universe: Parents of children 3-6 years old who are not enrolled in preschool and are living in municipalities in the northern region: Pljevlja, Bijelo Polje, Mojkovac, Kolasin, Plav, Andrijevica, Berane, Rozaje, Petnjica, Gusinje, Zabljak, Savnik and Pluzine.

Sample frame: Data on no. of children 3-6 (MONSTAT) and no. of children in kindergartens (Ministry of education) per municipality, information on the coverage of preschool education in rural and urban areas from MICS5 research

Type of sample:

Choice of primary sampling units (polling station) - One stage random representative stratified sample;

Choice of respondent within PSU: Convenient sample

Sample size: 600 respondents

306 parents of children who live in a settlement with a preschool

294 parents of children who live in a settlement without a preschool

Number of sampling points: 200 sampling points (3 interviews per sampling point)

Method of data collection: Face-to-face interviews at the respondent’s household.

Approximation of interview duration: 30 minutes

SAMPLE

3

Type of

settlement

Type of

settlement

Type of

household

Current

working status

of mother

HH income per HH member

Number of

children of

kindergarten

age in the

household

Wit

h k

ind

erg

art

en

Wit

ho

ut

kin

de

rga

rte

n

Urb

an

Ru

ral

Nu

cle

ar

fam

ily

Mu

ltig

en

era

tio

na

l

fam

ily

Mo

the

r is

wo

rkin

g

Mo

the

r is

no

t

wo

rkin

g

Up

to

50

eu

r

51

-10

0 e

ur

Ov

er

10

0 e

ur

Re

fusa

l

On

e c

hil

d

2 o

r m

ore

ch

ild

ren

51% 49% 44% 56% 65% 35% 15% 85% 43% 34% 18% 5% 85% 15%

Child

attended a

nursery or

kindergarten

Mother or

father attend

nursery/kind

ergarten

Asked for

information

about the

conditions for

enrollment of

child in

kindergarten

Main reason why

children don`t attend

a kindergarten

Willingness to

attend free 3-

hour

preschool

program

Nationality

Ye

s

No

Ye

s

No

Ye

s

No

Ob

jec

tiv

e

ob

sta

cle

s

Fin

an

cia

l

ba

rrie

rs

Pe

rso

na

l

rea

son

s

Ye

s

No

Mo

nte

ne

gri

n

Se

rbia

n

Mu

slim

Oth

er

18% 82% 15% 85% 53% 47% 29% 31% 40% 92% 8% 22% 23% 46% 9%

100% Parents of children who are born in 2009., 2010. i 2011. and don’t attend kindergarten

DATA ABOUT THE SETTLEMENT

4

49% of families in which children do not go to kindergarten live in rural settlements without a preschool institution, however, accessibility of primary schools is considerably better

5

Type of settlement in which the household is located:

Base: Total target population

44

7

39

10

Urban settlement

Village withkindergarten andschool

Village with school, butwithout kindergarten

Isolated village (schoolis at the distance ofmore than 5 km)

Half live in clustered settlements and another half in scattered settlements

Base: rural settlements (56% of target population)

For 2/3, the closest preschool institution is more than 4 km away

Primary school is considerably more accessible than kindergarten and it is less than 4 km away for 80% of the

citizens

For 2/3 of them the closest outpatient clinic and post office are more than 4

km away

For children from rural settlements who do not go to kindergarten it is characteristic that:

On average, for the children from rural areas who do not go to kindergarten it is the farthest institution

6

How far is the closest institution – in km?

Average values; Base: rural settlements (56% of target population)

9.5

7.3

7.2

2.4

Kindergarten / otherpreschool institution if

relevant

Outpatient clinic

Post office

Primary school

The closest primary school is less than 4 km away for 80% of these families, while for ½ of them the closest school is less than 1 km away

7

50

12

18

20

Distance of up to 1 km

Distance from 1 km to 2 km

Distance from 2 km to 4 km

Distance of more than 4 km

Distance from the closest primary school:


Majority of parents from rural settlements, almost 2/3 of them, visit urban settlement less than once a week

8

How often during one week do you go to urban settlement (place) during one typical week?


10

28

61

Every day

Two to threetimes a week

Less than once aweek

For 2/3 of these people frequency of visits to urban settlement does not

depend on season

The most common reasons for visiting the urban settlement are purchase of basic supplies (91%), visit to doctor

(82%), and finishing some administrative task

In majority of cases (74%) they come to town with their own car*

50% of them do not have access to any public transport, while 14% have access

to some irregular transport

*Multiple answers

*Multiple answers

DATA ABOUT THE SETTLEMENT

49% of families in which children do not go to kindergarten live in rural settlements without a preschool institution. One half of all rural settlements where children who do not go to kindergarten live (50%) are composed of scattered housing units.

For 1/3 (33%) of these parents the closest preschool institution is more than 8 km away, and for 35% of them between 4 and 8 km. Primary schools are considerably more accessible and, in 80% of cases, they are less than 4 km away from these households. For 2/3 of them the closest outpatient clinic (64%) and post office (66%) are more than 4 km away.

Average distance of the closest kindergarten is 9,5 km from these rural households, while the average distance of primary school is 2,4 km.

Majority of these parents (62%) go to urban settlement less than once a week. Their visits to urban settlement mainly do not depend on the season (66%), and the most common reasons for visiting the urban settlement are purchase of basic supplies (91%), visit to doctor (82%), and finishing some administrative task (78%).

In majority of cases (74%) they come to town with their own car. 25% of them use some local transport.

More than ¾ of them do not have adequate public transport: 50% have no public transport whatsoever, while 14% have access to some irregular transport. In 2% of the cases the bus comes once a day, in 13% of cases the bus comes two times a day, for 15% of these citizens public transport comes 4 to 6 times a day, while in just 6% of the cases the local buses come in half-an-hour frequency. 9

BASIC DATA ABOUT THE HOUSEHOLD

10

Majority of families are nuclear families. Nevertheless, as much as 2/3 of the families have five or more members. 39% of families have two minor children, while 32% of them have three children.

11Base: Total target population

61% 35% 4%

9

25

26

21

20

Up to 3

4

5

6

7+

12

39

32

11

4

2

0

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

9

Total number of household members:Number of children below 18 years of age in the household:

Type of household

Nuclear Multigenerational Single parent

Information about number of children below 18 years of age and their educational status

12


12% of the households have children of secondary school age.Almost 2/3 of the household have children of primary school age.In 32% of the households there are children younger than 3 years.

On average, there are 2,6 younger than 18 children per household

When it comes to children aged from 3 to 18 years, 72%have never attended either a kindergarten or nursery.

Base: if there are children born between 1996 and 2008 (65% of target population)

89% of children in primary school age attend primary school.84% of children of secondary school age attend secondary school.

Base: If there are children in the household born from 1996 to 2000 (14% of target population)

Base: If there are children in the household born from 2001 to 20080 (14% of target population)

Besides stating that their household is composed of children and their parents, more than 1/3 mention some relative as a household member

13

Who lives in your household?

Multiple answers; Base: Total target population

100

99

94

32

12

1

1

Child/children

Mother of children

Father of children

Father in law/mother in law (husband`s parents)

Other family members, please specify

Persons who are not relatives but live in the samehousehold

Father in law/mother in law (wife`s parents)99% of the households do not have

children with disabilities

Almost 2/3 of mothers and almost¾ of fathers have at least secondary education.


In 85% of cases neither mother nor father attended the kindergarten.

3

22

10

57

9

The first 4 grades ofprimary school

Finished primaryschool

Finished II or IIIdegree (trade - two orthree grades ofprimary school)Finished secondaryschool (IV degree)

Finished collegeand/or university

1

16

11

62

11

The first 4 grades ofprimary school

Finished primaryschool

Finished II or IIIdegree (trade - twoor three grades ofprimary school)Finished secondaryschool (IV degree)

Finished collegeand/or university

What is the last finished school of child`s/children`s mother?

What is the last finished school of child`s/children`s father?

More than ½ of mothers are unemployed, 30% are housewives, while 10% are permanently employed

1/3 of fathers are unemployed while 39% are permanently employed

BASIC DATA ABOUT THE HOUSEHOLD

Almost 2/3 of families (61%) are of nuclear type. Nevertheless, as much as 2/3 of the families (67%) have five or more members. 20% of families have more than 7 members. 39% of families have two minor children, while 32% have three children. 12% of the families have one child.

12% of the households have children of secondary school age. Almost 2/3 of the households have children of primary school age. 32% of the households have children younger than 3 years.

On average, there are 2,6 younger than 18 children per household.

When it comes to children aged from 3 to 18 years, 72% have never attended either a kindergarten or nursery.

89% of children in primary school age attend primary school. 84% of children of secondary school age attend secondary school.

Besides stating that their household is composed of children and their parents, 44% mention some relative as a household member

99% of the households do not have children with disabilities, but the disabled children mainly have impaired vision and hearing.

In majority of cases (85%) neither mother nor father attended the kindergarten.Majority of mothers and fathers have primary or secondary education. When it comes to employment, more than a half of mothers are unemployed, 30% are housewives, while 10% have [permanent employment. 1/3 of fathers are unemployed and 39% have a permanent job 15

SOCIO – ECONOMIC STATUS OF THE

HOUSEHOLD

16

Majority of families live in dwellings which are in good condition, and almost all of them have basic living conditions (electricity, running water, basic appliances...)

17

Evaluation of household`s dwelling (based on interviewer`s impression)


8

51

32

6

3

Flat in residentialbuilding

New house in goodcondition

Older house inrelatively goodcondition

Dilapidated house

Other

99

99

99

97

96

95

93

72

63

52

26

3

TV set

Mobile phone

Electricity

Running water for drinking

Bathroom (space for bathing -…

WC within flat /house

Connection to sewer or septic tank

Car

Personal computer

Internet connection

Fixed phone

Motorcycle/moped

Characteristic of dwellings where children who do not attend kindergarten live


2/3 of the households (66%) have more than 3 rooms in the house

2/3 of the families live in the houses with 60+ m²(29% of families live in the houses above 90m²)

In 58% of cases children have separate room from adult HH members

Financial situation of families with children who do not go to kindergarten

19

8% of the families did not have any income in October 2014, while more than a half of them (54%)

Had total income below 350 Euros


More than a half of the households (58%) have only one member withRegular monthly income, while 16% have not a single member

With regular income

27% of families whose children do not attend kindergartenReceive social welfare or material assistance

More than one half of target population members (55%) thinkthat their income is considerably below average in Montenegro.

29% think that they are not able to pay for all needs of their child.Somewhat less than half of the parents (46%) think that they are able to Support the needs of their child, while 27% are not able to estimate that

SOCIO – ECONOMIC STATUS OF THE HOUSEHOLD

Majority of families (83%) live in dwellings which are in good condition, regardless of being old or new. More than a half of families (51%) live in new houses which are in good condition, 32% live in older, but well preserved houses, 8% live in flats in apartment buildings, while 6% live in dilapidated houses. Almost all households have all necessary conditions for living (electricity, running water, sewerage, bathroom, toilet and basic appliances such as TV and mobile phone). Circa 2/3 of them have a personal computer, and more than a half of them possess Internet connection. 72% of families have a car and 3% have a motorcycle.

2/3 of families have more than 3 rooms in the house. 34% of families have a dwelling of up to 60 m², 37% of families have a dwelling of 61 to 90 m², while 29% have families of more than 90m². In 58% of cases children have a separate room for themselves.

In 2014, during the month of October 8% of families had no income, while more than a half of them (54%) had total income below 350 Euros. More than a half of the households (58%) have only one member with regular monthly income, while 16% have no member with regular income. In 20% of cases two household members have regular income. 27% of families whose children do not attend kindergarten receive social welfare or material assistance.

More than one half of target population members (55%) think that their income is considerably below average in Montenegro, while 23% think that their income is somewhat below republic average. 29% think that they are not able to pay for all needs of their child. Somewhat less than half of the parents (46%) think that they are able to support the needs of their child, while 27% are not able to estimate that

. 20

BABYSITTING PRACTICES

21

More than 1/3 of parents had to leave their child alone for more than half an hour once or several times during last week. It happens less frequently that children are left with their siblings younger than 10 years.

22

Sometimes adults taking care of Children have to leave the house to go shopping, wash clothes, or for other reasons and have to leave young children.


61

9

9

4

1

9

2

6

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

89

3

2

1

0

1

0

5

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

On how many days in the past week was -To leave child alone longer than half an hour?

On how many days in the past week was -To leave child under the care of other child

from the household younger than 10 years longer than half an hour?

Persons who are mentioned most frequently as helpers in such situations are grandmothers and spouse

23

When you have to leave the house is there a person in your household who could take care of the child?


38

31

9

8

3

3

9

Yes, mother in law

Yes, spouse

Yes, other family members

Yes, older children - brothers,sisters older than 10

Neighbor, friend, the womanwho is paid to care after the ch

Yes, older children - brothers,sisters younger than 10

No/ usually not

Almost none of the parents whose children do not go to kindergarten pay any other person to look after their child, and in 1/3 of cases some family member looks after the child.


1

35

64

Yes

No, some family membercares for the child (mother inlaw, etc)

No, there is no need to carefor children

Do you pay some other person to care about your child/children?

If someone babysits the child, this usually lasts for 5 or more hours a day, and during that time the child mainly plays with toys, watches cartoons, sings songs and draws.

25

9

17

9

35

30

Less than anhour

1-3 hours

3-5 hours

More than 5hours

No one exceptmother istaking care ofthe child

How many hours a day does this person stay with the child?


65

64

53

51

33

29

22

15

2

15

Plays with toys

WatchesTV/cartoons

Sings songs

Draws, colors...

Learns letters

Learns to read and write

Plays games (tablet, computer,phone...)

Nothing, the child him/herselffinds the way to spend time,

Other

No one except mother is takingcare of the child

What does the child do with this person?

Multiple answers

Mothers state that they spend actively more than 5 hours a day with their children, and during that time the child almost always plays with toys, watches cartoons, draws and sings songs


33193

Less than anhour

1-3 hours

3-5 hours

More than 5hours

And how much time does mother actively spendin interaction with child during one day?

What does the child do with mother?

94

92

88

86

61

50

43

3

2

Plays with toys

WatchesTV/cartoons

Draws, colors...

Sings songs

Learns letters

Learns to read andwrite

Plays games (tablet,computer, phone...)

Other

Nothing, the childhim/herself finds…

Multiple answers

The majority of children have dolls and balls, while the smallest percentage of children have plasticine/clay and books with scientific topics adapted for children

27

53

24

20

20

17

9

3

29

38

42

46

37

14

73

16

33

28

31

38

49

23

3

5

10

4

9

29

2

Children`s books - scientific topics adapted forchildren

Picture books with notions about the world (e.g.animas, nature ...)

Toys for development of certain child`s functions - e.g.fitting shapes and forms.

Coloring books

Children`s books - fairy tales, stories

Dolls - plasticdolls, stuffed dolls, simulation ofkitchens, surgery

Bolls

None 1-3 4-10 Over 10


Could you, please, tell me how many of the following items are there in your household for your child aged 3-5 years?

61% of children do not have clay/plasticine, 36% have one or two

pieces36%

On average, the households have the biggest number of dolls and toys for playing various roles, such as kitchen, doctor’s gear. The least represented are books in which scientific topics are adapted for children, but also balls which almost every household has, although not a lot of them

28

Could you, please, tell me how many of the following items are there in your household for your child aged 3-5 years?


10.9

5.6

5.1

3.8

3.7

2.8

1.9

Dolls - plasticdolls, stuffed dolls, simulation ofkitchens, surgery

Toys for development of certain child`s functions -e.g. fitting shapes and forms.

Children`s books - fairy tales, stories

Picture books with notions about the world (e.g.animas, nature ...)

Coloring books

Bolls

Children`s books - scientific topics adapted forchildren

AVERAGE VALUES

BABYSITTING PRACTICES

29

More than 1/3 of parents had to leave their child alone for more than half an hour once or several times during last week. 6% of parents leave their child alone at home every day, and significantly above average these are the parents who live in rural settlements and those in whose settlements there is no kindergarten.

As much as 89% of parents have never left the child with siblings who are less than 10 years old, while 5% of them leave the child in the care of siblings every day, and significantly above average these are the parents who specify objective reasons why the child was not enrolled in kindergarten. When they have to eave the child at home, parents usually leave the child in the care of spouse (31%) or grandmother (38%).

Almost none of the parents whose children do not go to kindergarten(99%) pay any other person to look after their child, and in 35% of cases some family member looks after the child. If someone babysits the child, this usually lasts for 5 or more hours a day, and during that time the child mainly pays with toys (65%), watches cartoons (64%), and draws (51%). Significantly higher percentage of children whose parents have the highest income play video games.

Almost all mothers (93%) state that they spend actively more than 5 hours a day with their children, and during that time the child almost always pays with toys (94%), watches cartoons (92%), draws (88%) and sings songs (86%). In families whose child does not attend kindergarten because of personal reasons the child significantly more plays video games when spending time with mother.

The majority of children have dolls and balls, while the smallest percentage of children have plasticine/clay and books with scientific topics adapted for children. The picture is similar when it comes to toys with which the children aged 3 to 5 years play. Average number of toys show that almost all households have balls, but not a lot of them.

KNOWLEDGE ABOUT CHILD DEVELOPMENT

AND PARENTAL PRACTICES FOR

ENHANCEMENT OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT

30

Parents whose children do not attend kindergarten think that their children are developing well, primarily on the basis of parameters of physical development

31

On which parameters do you estimate that your child is developing - both physically and mentally?


95

81

78

76

75

70

70

68

62

61

52

The child grows up - gains in height and weight

The child eats nicely

The child is physically dexterous (can kick ball, throw ball...)

The child socializes and plays with other children

The child is curious and follows what happens around him/her

The child is able to articulate his/her needs

The child learns and adopts new things (colors, numbers, letters,words...)

The child is always cheerful and happy with other people

The child doesn`t often get sick

The child is peaceful and obedient

The child doesn`t cry much

The highest percentage of parents obtained information about child development from medical workers and from older women in family

32

Where have you learned what you know about the ages at which a child should know or be able to do certain things, for examplestand up, speak simple words, etc?


67

49

33

24

7

8

From pediatrician, midwives, visiting nurse...

From older household members - mother, mother inlaw...

From friends, acquaintances who have children

From TV (e.g. "Vreme je za bebe") and radio

Brochures from maternity hospital/from pediatrician, professional literature …

Other

... And the advisors who are not active medical workers were usually housewives

33

What is the profession of that person(s)?

Multiple answers; Base: those who learned what they know about the ages at which a child should know or be able to do certain things from older household members or from friends, acquaintances who have children (57% of target population)

63

36

22

20

12

12

10

5

4

4

3

3

3

2

2

3

Housewife

Doctor

Teacher

Skilled worker (seller, nurse etc.)

Intellectual (engineer, economist, lawyer etc.)

Worker

Pensioner

Farmer

Artisan, craftsman, shop owner

Administrative worker, lower management

Parents with experience

Psychologist/ pedagogue

Secondary school pupil/ student

Army/Police

Other

Don’t know

Parents think that equal attention should be paid to children of both genders. 2/3 of them are against physical (corporal) punishment of children. Nevertheless 1/3 of parents would punish the child physically, and ¼ of them think that boys should be punished physically more than girls.


1

3

95

1

Boys

Girls

Both

No one

8

2568

Boys

Girls

Both

No one

Who should receive more parental attention?Who should be punished physically more

(cuffed, slapped)?

Većina roditelja je protiv fizičkog kažnjavanja dece

1

2

96

1

Boys

Girls

Both

No one

... Parents think that children of both genders equally benefit from preschool activities and from school attendance.


1

3

96

1

Boys

Girls

Both

No one

Who benefits more from preschool activities where various things are learned? Who benefits more from attending school?

Majority of parents agree that, for the sake of proper development, children need as much as possible stimuli from the environment and support from the adults. Nevertheless, not a negligible percentage of parents (1/4) think that children should start learning once they start going to school.


75

26

Early childhood is a stage when children learnand develop very rapidly; for this reason theyneed many new experiences and adults toguide and support them.

Young children grow and develop naturally inthe early years; they should start learning oncethey enter school.

"... You need to talk to him more often, to work with him ..."MOTHER, rural area with no kindergarten

37

"Parents are little familiar with the child's development. We, who work with little ones, saw that the children do not know much. They have no focus, no habits regarding personal hygiene - these are

children aged 3 years. They have no patience for anything, they seem nervous. "Gindergarten teacher, rural municipalitie

These attitudes are confirmed and illustrated by the data obtained through individual in-depth interviews with parents and kindergarten teachers

"I can see he is fit, he is not clumsy, prone to fall - I see that he is resourceful.As soon as he could walk, he knew how not to hit his head. I see how

well he remembers things, how he pays attention to some things. One can make this conclusion based on the child. We do not beat him,

you can explain him things by having a conversation. All by having conversation ... "

MOTHER, rural area with kindergarten

"[I’ve been advised by] mother, mother in law ... They said child should not sit from 5th month, to not put in the stroller from 6th month .. "

Unemployed mother, rural area with kindergarten

Usualy I ask mother in-law, or my mother although they have someold-fashioned principles. I have two older sisters who have children,

my friends have older children. "Unemployed mother, rural area with kindergarten

ENHANCEMENT OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT

38

The most frequently mentioned parameters on the basis of which parents whose children do not go to kindergarten evaluate that their child develops well are those which indicate physical development, followed by parameters which point to social development.

2/3 of parents (67%) mention medical workers (doctors, nurses…) as sources of information about child development. The sources of information about this topic are also older female family members. With the exception of medical workers, media and professional literature as sources of information, it appears that the persons who most frequently give advice about child development are housewives. In families with employed mothers and urban families professional literature and brochures and significantly above average used as sources of information about child development.

Almost all parents think that both female and male children deserve equal attention. 2/3 of parents are against corporal punishment of children. Nevertheless 1/3 of parents would punish the child physically, and ¼ of them think that boys should be punished physically more than girls. Parents think that children of both genders equally benefit from preschool activities and from school attendance. Majority of parents (68%) think that children should not be punished at all, while 25% think that they should be punished equally. Those who think that boys should be punished more (8%) are those having significantly above average the lowest income per household member, as well as those who mention physical barriers as the reason why children do not attend kindergarten.

Majority of parents whose children do not go to kindergarten (75%) agree that child development must be stimulated in the environment in which children grow, instead of just letting it run its course. Nevertheless, not a negligible percentage of parents (1/4) think that children should start learning when they start school.

KNOWLEDGE ABOUT KINDERGARTEN

39

State kindergartens are the closest to most families. However, 19% have no kindergarten nearby.

40

Which kindergartens are close enough so that your child could attend them?


80

7

2

1

19

State kindergarten

Private kindergarten

Kindergarten under the patronage of some NGO

Religious kindergarten

There is no kindergarten nearby

In 51% of cases the closest state kindergarten is located in family’s place of residence

Kindergarten is territorially available to approximately half of families – 56% of parents say that it takes them 15 minutes to reach it


34

28

23

15

Up to 1km 1.1 - 4km 4.1-10km Over 10km

What is the distance in kilometers of the closest kindergarten from your home?

19

37

35

10

Up to 5min. 6-15min. 16-45min. Over 45min.

How much time would it take you to bring the child to kindergarten? - Minutes

Families that live in villages without a kindergarten can usually reach a kindergarten only by private car. Local transportation is mentioned in only 22% of cases.

42

Which means of transportation are available for children in your place to come to this kindergarten (that is, to you to take the child)?

Multiple answers; Base: Families living in settlements without kindergarten

84

17

22

4

1

3

Private car

On foot

Local transportation

Motorcycle/moped

Organized transportationto kindergarten

Other

More than half of parents do not know whether there are free places in kindergarten nearby, while 1/3 do know that there are free places. Most parents do know how many hours a day children spend in kindergarten.


35

9

57

There are freeplaces

There is no freeplaces,capacities arefull

Do not know

18

11

41

30

3-4h, (from8-12hinthe morning), thechildren do not sleepin the kindergarten

6-8h, children sleep inthe kindergarten inafternoon

There are bothpossibilities in thiskindergarten

Do not know

Is there free places in this kindergarten or the capacities are full?

How many hours a day do the children stay in this kindergarten?

Parents whose children don’t attend kindergarten still believe that the role of kindergarten in children’s life is very important

44

In your opinion, how important is kindergarten for child development?


62

24

12

2

1

Very important

Somewhat important

Neither important nornot

Somewhat notimportant

Not important at all

72% of parents whose children are not enrolled in kindergarten think that they should obtain faculty diploma,

and 13% of them that children should have MSc or PhD

78% of parents perceive importance of preschool institutions primarily in stimulating early development and learning skills that child wouldn’t learn at home. However, 22% of parents believe that primary role of kindergarten is to watch over children and provide assistance to employed parents.


22

78

Primary role of kindergartens isto support employed parentsthrough watching over theirchildren while they are at work.

Primary role of kindergartens is to promote early child development, and enable learning of skills necessary for given age which he/she wouldn’t learn at home.

67% of parents believe that preschool institutions have a curriculum that

stipulates exactly what children should learn in kindergarten

Kindergarten is primarily expected to teach children social skills and independence (hygienic routine, getting dressed…)

46

What should children learn in a kindergarten?


80

69

59

56

54

53

53

50

50

47

45

42

41

40

39

36

33

8

0

To fit in a group of peers, to socialize

To learn songs

Nice manners - to ask for things politely, to say „thank you“, …

To learn basic terms - e.g. colours, numbers, seasons,...etc

To be independent - to know how get dressed, to prepare for…

To be independent - not to be overly attached to parents

To learn letters and numbers

Discipline - to learn to complete tasks given by the teacher

Hygiene -when to take off shoes, to brush teeth, to wash hands…

To increase the number of used words

To be self-confident - to gain self-confidence

Not to be selfish, to share things with other children

To learn how to read and write

Not to be spoilt or choosy (e.g. to eat the lunch)

To develop fine motor skills: to learn how to colour more…

Constancy - to know when it`s time for breakfast, for playing, for…

To develop gross motor skills: to stand stable, kick a ball, run, do…

Child should just socialize in kindergarten, he/she is still too little…

Do not know

15

23

19

16

27

I am fully informed

I am mainly informed

Neither much nor little

I am mainly uninformed

I know almost nothing

Only 1/3 of parents whose children don’t attend kindergarten consider themselves informed about activities of preschool institutions

47

How informed about activities of preschool institutions do you consider yourself, or about what children are doing in kindergartens?


…And this information is mainly obtained from friends, family and acquaintances whose children attend kindergarten

48

92

46

42

42

33

30

14

8

54

58

58

67

70

86

Stories I hear from friends, family, acquaintances whose

children attend kindergarten

The media (TV, newspapers, radio, Internet)

I visited the closest kindergarten to ask for information

Stories from school, from teachers

Experience with my own child who attends a

kindergarten

Local healthcare units and hospitals

Parent himself went to kindergarten

Yes

No

Base: those who get informed about kindergartens from several sources of information (70% of target population)

How do you get informed about kindergartens?

70% of parents get informed about kindergarten activities

from several sources

49

These attitudes are confirmed and illustrated by the data obtained through individual in-depth interviews with parents and kindergaten teachers

„I’m thinking to to send her to kindergarten after the New year.A child should socialize with friends and to create some immunity.The child is different when it goes to kindergarten. Acquires habits.

If a child is directly sent to school – it is a problem "MOTHER, place the kindergarten

"Well, I think that children from kindergarten differ ... I thinkthey are more prepared mentally too. This collective life and habits…

I think that they will start school more easily. "Unemployed mother, a place with no kindergarten

"I think it's the right thing for childrento go to kindergarten at that age. Just because child's

development,psychological development andthose preparations and learning. "

Unemployed mother, a place with kindergarten

"Children from kindergarten are freer, behaviorally, they are not embarassed of others. Anything that they need, they ask for. Children who attend know many things. We do educational work too. Introduce children with the concept of seasons, domestic and wild animals. In mathematical things

we're talking about numbers, we teach them to orient in space. It’s easier for those who went to kinderganten in the first grade. "Kindergarten teacher, rural area

"I’ve learnd about preschool know from my godchild,they learn rhymes. They draw, make fruits,

something related to fall. I think they need it at that age. "Unemployed mother, a place with kindergarten

KNOWLEDGE ABOUT KINDERGARTENS

50

State kindergartens are most accessible to most families (80%) and more than half of them are located in family’s place of residence. 19% of families have no kindergarten nearby, and they are significantly more likely to be those with the lowest income, residents of rural areas, Muslims and those who specify objective barriers for not enrolling their children in kindergarten.

Kindergarten is territorially available to approximately half of families – 56% of parents say that it takes them 15 minutes to reach it. Quite expectedly, those who live in rural areas are significantly more likely to have the nearest kindergarten more than 4 km away.

Families that live in villages without a kindergarten can usually reach a kindergarten only by private car. Local transportation is mentioned in only 22% of cases.

More than half of parents don’t know whether there are free places in kindergarten nearby. On the other hand, majority does know how many hours a day children spend in kindergarten. Those who don’t know this are more likely than average to have the lowest income, to live in rural areas and to specify financial reasons as relevant for not enrolling their children in kindergarten.

Most parents whose children are not enrolled in kindergarten think that they should obtain faculty diploma (72%), and 13% of them that children should have MSc or PhD. Those who single out financial barrier as the reason for not enrolling their children in kindergarten are significantly more likely to specify secondary school education as the highest educational level their children should accomplish.

KNOWLEDGE ABOUT KINDERGARTENS

51

Regardless of the fact that their children don’t attend kindergarten, great majority of parents believe that this institution is important for development of children (86%), and even 62% consider it extremely important.

78% of parents perceive importance of preschool institutions primarily in stimulating early development and learning skills that child wouldn’t learn at home. However, 22% of parents believe that primary role of kindergarten is to watch over children and provide assistance to employed parents.

Those who believe that primary role of kindergartens is to watch over children of employed parents are significantly more likely than average not to be willing to enroll their children in free three-hour preschool programs.

The extent to which these institutions are trusted is illustrated by the fact that 2/3 of parents believe that preschool institutions have a curriculum that stipulates exactly what children should learn in kindergarten

Kindergarten is primarily expected to teach children social skills and independence

38% of parents whose children don’t attend kindergarten consider themselves informed about activities of preschool institutions and they are more likely than average to live in urban areas, in families with working mothers, to have the highest income per household member, to had attended kindergarten when they were children, as well as not to enroll children in kindergarten due to personal reasons. 43% consider themselves uninformed.

Information about activities of preschool institutions is mainly obtained from friends, family and acquaintances whose children attend kindergarten.

ATTITUDE TOWARDS KINDERGARTEN

52

Great majority of parents (80%) mainly think that it is better for children to attend a kindergarten although someone can take care of them at home

53

Do you think it`s better for a child to attend a kindergarten or notify there is someone available who can take care of him at home?


80

13

8

Yes, it is better to attend akindergarten anyhow

No, it is better not to attend akindergarten if someone cantake care of him at home

Do not know

The main reasons for this attitude: better preparedness for school, socializing role of kindergarten, learning nice manners and becoming independent

54

Why do you think child should attend a kindergarten?


60

59

56

54

51

50

47

45

44

41

To be more prepared for school

To socialize: to learn how to behave in a group of peers

To learn nice manners - to ask for things politely, to say „thank you“, „you're welcome“, etc.

To be independent - to know how get dressed, to prepare forbed, to tidy up his toys etc.

To stimulate development: to learn songs, plays...

To stimulate development: to learn basic terms – e.g. colours, numbers, seasons,...

To adopt discipline - to learn how to be persistent andcomplete tasks given by the teacher

To acquire self-confidence through relationship with peersand older people (for instance stage appearances before…

To obtain preferred traits:for instance to share things withother children, to be sensitive to the needs of others, to…

To acquire hygiene routines: when to take off shoes, to brushteeth, to wash hands (for instance before and after eating,…

The main reason for not attending a kindergarten is territorial distance without adequate transportation (55% of parents). The next reason is personal - 28% of parents believe that children ate better off at home. 26% of parents believe that children get sick often when they go to a kindergarten.

55

Why do you think child should stay at home (not attend a kindergarten)?


55

28

26

13

13

11

9

9

9

6

6

6

If kindergarten is very far away, without provided transportor/and no one to take the child there

There is no reason to pay for a kindergarten if someone cantake care of the child at home

Children get sick often when attending kindergarten, they aremore frequently sick than healthy

Various children attend kindergarten and child might not fitin, pick up bad traits or words or be bullied

It is hard for mother (or other family members) not to bewith a little child

Mother or father, grandparents and other family memberswill take better care of the child than one teacher of many…

A 3-5 years old child is too little to learn anything, he shouldn’t be burdened with it

Child is ready for peers at a later age - age 4 or 5, not before

Child shouldn`t be forced to get up early in the morning everyday

Child won`t learn anything in a kindergarten that he wouldn’t learn at home

Other

Do not know

2

6

47

29

11

7

One year

Two years

Three years

Four years

Five years

First grade of primaryschool

Almost half of parents believe that it is best for children to spend time with their peers from age three. Only 7% believe that children should start spending time with their peers when they start school.

56

At what age do you think child should spend time with his/her group of peers?


Most parents believe that it is better for development of children’s social skills, basic terms, preparation for future education, and even physical immunity that children attend a kindergarten

57

75

61

78

21

72

38

25

39

22

79

28

63

Children who attended a kindergarten do better in a group/ company of peers than children who didn’t attend a kindergarten.Children who attended a kindergarten don`t do any better in a group/company of peers than children who didn’t attend a kindergarten.

Children who attended a kindergarten know more (words, rhymes, plays...) than children who didn’t attend a kindergarten.Children who attended a kindergarten don`t know more (words, rhymes, plays...) than children who didn’t attend a kindergarten.

Children who attended a kindergarten are more prepared for school than children who didn’t attend a kindergarten.Children who attended a kindergarten are not more prepared for school than children who didn’t attend a kindergarten.

It is best for a child age 3 to 5 to stay with his/her mother or other family members.

It is better for a child age 3 to 5 to spend some time with his/her peers in a kindergarten every day.

As encouragement of child development, it is good that also professionals-teachers, besides family members, are engaged.

Normal child doesn`t need any professionals, he/she can get everything in the family.

Child who attends a kindergarten can get various infectious diseases that weaken child’s immunity and make him/her sickly.Although child can be infected by other children, this is not dangerous and it will just make him/her more resilient and healthier in the future.


Parents generally have confidence in kindergarten as an institution and in skills of staff working with children, and they also believe that it is good for children to spend time with their peers, even when someone can take care of them at home. However, many parents believe that a child of age 3 to 5 is better off spending time with his mother if she is not working.


81

80

78

59

48

44

30

14

9

9

9

6

2

4

4

16

23

33

46

45

66

71

71

74

It is important that a child age 3 to 5 spends time with his/her peers.

Kindergarten is not only a place where children are watched over, but it also

stimulates child development.

Child forms discipline practices and habits in kindergarten - set time of getting

up in the morning, having meals, going to bed.

Kindergarten offers child development programs with professionals, which

child can`t have at home.

Little child will suffer if mother finds a job and doesn`t spend all day with him.

If mother is not employed, it is best for a child 3 to 5 years old to stay at home

with her.

If grandparents can watch over a child, there is no need to send him/her to a

kindergarten.

There is no need for a kindergarten because going to the park or playing with

children in the neighborhood is quite enough in regard to being with peers.

Kindergarten teachers have completed necessary education, but they are not

working well with childrenin the kindergarten in our place of residence.

Various children attend kindergarten and my child might get into bad company,

pick up bad traits or be bullied.

Kindergarten is not good enough for my child - cleanliness and food are poor.

Kindergarten is not good enough for my child - teachers wouldn`t devote

enough attention to my child.

Agree(4+5)

Disagree(1+2)

Before they start school, children are expected to know the basics of nice manners, how to behave in classroom, how to present themselves and express their opinion, as well as to have some knowledge about the environment and nature.

59

In your opinion, which of the following should a child know before going to school?


99

98

98

98

89

64

34

1

2

2

2

11

36

66

To know the basics of nice manners: greeting the

teacher, saying "you’re welcome", "thank you", "here

you are", etc.

To know how to behave in the classroom - - listening to

others, obeying the rules...

To know how present himself, to express his opinion

To know some basic terms - colors, shapes, numbers...

Some knowledge about the environment and nature

The alphabet

ReadingYes

No


60

Although they haven’t enrolled their children in kindergarten, most of these parents (80%) mainly think that it`s better for children to attend a kindergarten although someone can take care of them at home. As for those who think that it is better that their child stays at home in such a situation (13%), they are more likely than average to specify personal reasons for not enrolling their child in some preschool institution, as well as those who are not willing to take part in three-hour preschool program.

The essence of the prevailing attitude that children should attend a kindergarten is better preparedness for school, socializing role of kindergarten, learning nice manners and becoming independent to a greater extent than if they stayed at home. This attitude, regarding learning basic terms, developing independent hygienic routine, developing fine motoric skills, learning about the perspective of other participants in interaction, stimulating general development and strengthening immune system is more likely to be present among parents who have asked for information about enrollment in kindergarten. Those who are not willing to enroll children in free three-hour preschool programs, as well as those who specify personal reasons for not enrolling children in kindergarten are more likely to consider kindergarten enrolment an option only of there is no one to take care of the child at home.

The main reason for not attending a kindergarten is territorial distance without adequate transportation (55% of parents). The next reason is personal - 28% of parents believe that children ate better off at home. 26% of parents believe that children get sick often when they go to a kindergarten. Those who specify mainly negative aspects of attending a kindergarten (children may learn bad things from other children, they get sick more easily, they don’t learn anything that they wouldn’t learn at home, children of age 3 to 5 can’t learn much, there is no reason to pay for a kindergarten if there is someone who can take care of the child at home...) are significantly more likely not to enroll their children in kindergarten due to personal reasons. Those who wouldn’t accept three-hour programs are significantly more likely to believe that there is no reason to pay for a kindergarten if there is someone who can take care of the child at home, that family members can provide better care than kindergarten teachers and that it is hard for mothers to be separated from children.


61

Highest percentage of parents (47%) agree that it is best to enroll a child in kindergarten or let him start spending time with his peers at age three. This is more likely to be the attitude of those who specify objective barriers for not enrolling their child in kindergarten. Only 7% believe that children should start spending time with their peers when they start school.

Most parents believe that it is better for development of children’s social skills, basic terms, preparation for future education that children attend a kindergarten than stay at home. Most parents (63%) believe that children with develop better physical immunity in contact with other children, although they may be infected my various diseases in kindergarten. Significantly more likely not to agree with this attitude are those who specify personal reasons for not enrolling their children in kindergarten, as well as those who are not willing to take part in free three-hour preschool programs.

Parents generally have confidence in kindergarten as an institution and in skills of staff working with children, and they also believe that it is good for children to spend time with their peers, even when someone can take care of them at home. However, many parents believe that a child of age 3 to 5 is better off spending time with his mother if she is not working. Those who haven’t enrolled their children in kindergarten due to personal reasons are more likely to say that there is no need to send a child to kindergarten if someone can take care of him at home, that playing with neighborhood children is sufficient, that kindergarten conditions are not good enough for their children (teachers’ attention, cleanliness, food), as well as that children may adopt bad manners from other children there.

Before they start school, children are expected to know the basics of nice manners, how to behave in classroom, how to present themselves and express their opinion, as well as to have some knowledge about the environment and nature.

KINDERGARTEN PRACTICES

62

1

16

2

82

Yes, a nursery

Yes, a kindergarten

Yes, both nursery andkindergarten

No

Great majority of parents whose children don’t attend kindergarten have never enrolled their children in such an institution, but more than half of them have considered this option

63

Has a child of yours ever attended a nursery or kindergarten?


55% of parents whose children have never attended

kindergarten* thought about enrolling them

*Base: if child did not attend kindergarten (83% of target population)

Almost half of those who have experience with kindergarten enrolled their child at the age of 3, and ¼ at the age of 4. About 2/3 of parents withdrew their child from preschool facility after less than a year.

64Base: if child attended a nursery or kindergarten (19% of target population)

4

15

46

25

9

1

123456

30

34

22

14 Up to 2 months

2.1 months - 1year

1.1 - 2 years

Over 2 years

How old was your child when he/she wasenrolled in nursery/kindergarten?

For how long did your child attend nursery/kindergarten?

54

47 Yes

No

61

54

23

16

Kindergarten

Family, friends,acquaintances,

neighbors

Pediatrician/localhealthcare unit

At school/teacher

More than half of parents have asked for information about the conditionsfor enrollment of their child/ children in kindergarten, and sources of information were mainly preschool facilities, family members, friends, neighbors...

65


Have you asked for information about the conditionsfor enrollment of your child/ children in kindergarten?

Where have you asked for information about the conditions for enrollment of your

child/ children in kindergarten?

Multiple answers; Base: those who asked for information about the conditions for enrollment of their child/ children in kindergarten (54% of target population)

The decision on whether child will attend nursery or kindergarten is made by parents, and most of them were advised neither to enroll nor not to enroll their children in such an institution

66

In your household, who makes the decision on whether child will attend nursery, kindergarten...?


62

59

38

1

Mother

Father

Common decisionof family members

Grandparents

97% of parents were not advised NOT TO ENROLL their children in

kindergarten

77% of parents were not advised TO ENROLL their children in

kindergarten, while 22% were advised by friends and neighbors

Most parents whose children do not attend kindergarten say that someone takes care of their child at home, while many of them can’t afford a kindergarten or it is located too far away and they can’t provide transportation.


5947

46

43

28

27

23

19

14

12

11

5

5

4

4

4

4253

54

57

72

73

77

81

86

88

89

95

96

97

97

97

98

99

99100

1

2

1

Someone takes care of the child at home

We can`t afford to pay the costs of attending a kindergarten

The nearest kindergarten is very far away

We can`t provide transport to the kindergartenChildren get sick often when attending kindergarten, they are more

frequently sick than healthyThere is no one available to take the child to kindergarten

Child is attached to his/her mother/other family member and doesn`t want to

attend kindergartenIt would be very hard for me not to be with my child while he/she is so littleChildren have company even if they don`t go to a kindergarten - in the park

nearby, at relatives, neighbors etc.

Child is too young for kindergartenChild won`t learn relevant things in kindergarten that he/she wouldn`t learn

at homeOnly if child spend some time in a nursery/kindergarten:Child couldn`t adapt,

get used to kindergartenPoor kindergarten service, they don`t take adequate care of children

Children have no other contents in kindergarten but eating and sleeping

Kindergarten working hours don`t suit parents

There are not enough places in the kindergarten/ it`s full

Language barrier, the child doesn`t speak Montenegrin well

Child has a developmental disorder/ disabilityRefusal/rejection (kindergarten wouldn`t enroll the child) in spite of met

conditionsWe don`t know where to enroll the child

Yes

No

Does it relate to your child?

However, the main reason for not enrolling children in kindergarten is lack of money. The next most important reason is that someone takes care of the child at home and the third is that the nearest kindergarten is still too far away.

68

31

21

16

5

4

7

5

3

1

1

We can not pay the fee for kindergarten

We have someone to take care about the child at home

The closest kindergarten is very far away

Child is attached to his/her mother/other family member and doesn’t want to attend kindergarten

There isn't anyone to take the child to kindergarten

We can`t provide transport to the kindergarten

Children get sick often when attending kindergarten, they are morefrequently sick than healthy

The child is too small for peer group

Working time of kindergarten does not suit the parents

Poor kindergarten service, they don`t take adequate care of children

Main reason


What are the reasons why your child/children age 3 to 5 years don`t go to a kindergarten? What is the main reason?

They mainly don’t enroll children in kindergarten due to personal reasons (they consider child too young for kindergarten, someone takes care of him at home, kindergarten service is poor, there is nothing new they can learn there...), objective barriers (kindergarten is too far away, no transportation, working hours...) and financial reasons

69

37

3129

Personal reasonsObjective obstaclesFinancial barriers


35

1310

3

40

Up to 20e

21-30e

31-40e

More than 40e

I wouldn`t pay for thekindergarten

40% of them are not willing to pay anything for kindergarten, while 48% of them are willing to pay up to 30 eur. It is important to underline that parents who are not willing to pay anything have the poorest income, which illustrates the fact that financial barrier is really big.

70

How much money monthly would you be willing to pay for child s kindergarten?


These attitudes are confirmed and illustrated by the data obtained through individual in-depth interviews with parents and kindergaten teachers

71

"I'm not busy, I have time to look after them,and while I was working, husband had time so he vas watched over.Our nursery costs 40 euros. I think it is the right thing for the child,

but when you do not have that money, it’s too much. "MOTHER, place the kindergarten

"I think that kindergarten it's better for children to socialize. But there are children with different manners.

And there can learn many wrong things from them,in the family that cannot happen if the family is normal. "

MOTHER, city without kindergarten„"It is not important whether nursery is free. But if it has transportation,

that is good. So that I, as a mother, can bee sure that my child will not wait for transport on the street. If there was a safe transport from home -

kindergarten that would be okay. "MOTHER, a place with kindergarten

"I sent him last year in kindergarten,He was 2 years old. I've imagined it differently.

I thought they said he will socialize,I did notsee anything like that, maybe because he was little.

They turn on cartoons for them to wach ... "MOTHER, place with kindergarten


72

Great majority of parents whose children don’t attend kindergarten (80%) have never enrolled their children in such an institution, but 55% of them have considered this option – these are mainly parents with the highest income per household member.

Parents who have enrolled their children in kindergarten are more likely to live in urban areas, in areas with a kindergarten, in families with a working mother, they are more likely to have income of more than 100 eur per household member, to have attended kindergarten as well and to specify personal reasons for their child not attending preschool institution. Their children were usually (71%) 3 or 4 years old when they were enrolled and they stayed there up to a year in 2/3 of cases.

More than half of parents (54%) have asked for information about the conditionsfor enrollment of their child/ children in kindergarten and sources of information were

mainly preschool facilities, family members, friends, neighbors. This information was usually sought by those with the highest income per household member, those who attended kindergarten themselves, as well as those who specify personal reasons for their child not attending preschool institution. This decision was made together with other family members by those parents who specify objective barriers for not enrolling their children in kindergarten.

The decision on whether child will attend nursery or kindergarten is usually made by parents. As for potential influences on the decision-making process, almost all (97%) say that they were not advised not to enroll their children in kindergarten, and many of them (77%) were not advised to enroll their children in kindergarten (22% were advised by friends and family members).


73

When asked about the reasons for not enrolling their children in kindergarten, most parents (59%) say that someone takes care of the child at home. Many of them (more than 40%) can’t afford a kindergarten or it is too far away and they can’t provide transportation. The reasons for not enrolling their children in kindergarten are almost not at all associated with kindergarten characteristics, such as working hours and occupancy, or with children’s specific needs, or with parents’ lack of information about the nearest preschool facilities.

However, if only the main reason for not enrolling children in kindergarten is observed, it’s lack of money (31% of parents). Next reason is that someone takes care of the child at home (21%) and the third is that the nearest kindergarten is still too far away (16%).

Financial reasons are truly strong - 40% of parents are not willing to pay anything for kindergarten, while 48% of them are willing to pay up to 30 eur. It is important to underline that parents who are not willing to pay anything have the poorest income, which illustrates the fact that financial barrier is really big.

WILLINGNESS TO ATTEND FREE 3-HOUR

PREPARATORY PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

74

More than 90% of parents of children who do not attend kindergarten are willing to enroll their children in a free 3-hour preschool program

75

It is currently being considered to introduce a free 3-hour preschool program for all children age 3-5 years in preschool institutions in Montenegro, in order to enable children to be with their peers and participate in various educational and developmental activities adjusted to their age. Please imagine that such program is available near you – would you be willing to enroll your child into this program?


93

8

Yes

No

81% of parents believe that there is no reason that their children don’t

enter this program or they can’t specify any

Specified as major benefits of this program are that it would be free of charge, that it would enable their children to socialize with other children, as well as that it would provide children’s development and their preparation for school. Great majority of parents have no objections to such a program

76

What do you think are the main advantages of this program?


28

25

18

13

12

6

5

4

4

4

2

1

4

4

6

Because it's for free

Socializing with children

Education/ child development

Preparation for school

It would be good for the child/ good idea, program

Kindergarten being in the vicinity

Child is becoming independent

Time spent there

Organized transport

Raising, behavior, habits

Opportunity for all children to attend kindergarten

Safety/ childcare

Other

None

Don't know

Most parents either find no disadvantages or can’t specify them

77

What do you think are the main disadvantages of this program?


6

2

2

1

1

1

1

1

0

0

0

0

74

13

Short stay

Program is unknown/ what it offers

Conditions (hygiene, food)

It's crowded/ small space

It depends on vicinity

Too extensive program for little children

Manner of communicating/ time that teacher devotes…

If there will be transportation organized

Whether there are enough capacities and funds for this…

If it's really going to be for free

Mistrust/ I don't see the point

Other

None

Don't know

333232

6

Morning 9 to 12hMiddle 12h to15h

Afternoon 16h to19h

None of the shiftswould suit me

All shifts would suit almost equal percentages of parents. Almost 2/3 of parents might enroll their children in the afternoon shift.


Which shift would suit you better: morning 9 to 12h, middle 12h to 15h, 14 - 17h, or afternoon 16h to 19h?

63% of parents* would be able to enroll their child in such a program if it were

held in the afternoon, after 16h

Multiple answers:

*Single answer

WILLINGNESS TO ATTEND FREE 3-HOUR PREPARATORY PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

79

Parents of children who don’t attend kindergarten are willing to enroll their children in a free 3-hour preschool program(93%).

Specified as major benefits of this program are that it would be free of charge (28%), that it would enable their children to socialize with other children (25%), as well as that it would provide children’s development (18%) and their preparation for school(13%).

Most parents find no disadvantages of this project (81%)

All shifts would suit almost equal percentages of parents. Morning shift would be preferred more by residents of rural areas and by those who live in areas without a kindergarten.

Almost 2/3 of parents (63%) might enroll their children in the afternoon shift from 16h. More likely to be in this group are parents who have asked for information about enrollment in kindergarten.

Those who live in areas without a kindergarten:

WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT ALTERNATIVE

PROGRAMS

80

Parents who live in areas without a kindergarten would accept a program with organized transportation to the kindergarten and back (93%), and 2/3 would prefer this program took place in some local facilities (a school for example).

81Base: those who live in areas without a kindergarten (49% of target population)

93

7

Yes

No

If you had available organized transportation of children- that children travel by bus to a kindergarten, stay there

for 3 hours and then get back, would you enroll your childin a kindergarten and use this service?

64

29

3

4

Program in the localschool

Program in thekindergarten in theschool in the city

I wouldn`t enroll mychild in any of thoseprograms

Do not know

If you could chose between three - hour program in local school nearby in your municipality or the same program

in the city with organized transportation to the kindergarten and back, what would you choose?

Movable kindergartens would also be acceptable for most parents (82%) who live in areas without a kindergarten

82

If it were possible to organize movable kindergartens - big, quality vehicles equipped with toys and other items that each kindergarten has, which would take children from home (or park in a place close to the home), where they would stay for 3 hours and then be returned home, would you use this program?

Base: those who live in areas without a kindergarten (49% of target population)

82

18

Yes

No

They would enroll their child into such a program primarily for socializing with other children, because children would find it interesting and for child development

83

Why would you enroll your child into this program?


26

18

15

10

8

5

5

3

3

1

1

1

0

Socializing with children

It would be good for the child/ good idea, program


Interesting program/ It would be interesting to children

Organized transport

Safety/ childcare

Because it's free


It is important that child attends kindergarten/ it is bette

Raising, behavior, habits

Kindergarten being in the vicinity

Child is becoming independent

Time spent there

Multiple answers

They usually don’t have a clearly articulated reason for not enrolling children in this program. Most specified reason is fear for child’s safety.

84

Why wouldn`t you enroll your child into this program?


12

6

6

2

2

Fear/ safety issue

I have no confidence/ I don't like it/ it is betterthat the

If it is paid for/ if it's expensive

Child is little/ if child doesn't accept it/someone already

It depends on the conditions (food, hygiene,space)

Multiple answers

Most parents who live in areas without a kindergarten have not heard of interactive services and opinions are divided regarding interest in this type of program

85Base: those who live in areas without a kindergarten (49% of target population)

10

91

Yes

No

Have you heard of interactive services that includeonce a week visit of a kindergarten teacher to local

school/local community, working with children,combined with visits to families?

1716

30

9

29

We would befully

interested

Mainlyinterested

Norinterested

neitheruninterested

Mainlyuninterested

We wouldnot be

interested atall

What do you think about this possibility, would you be interested to include your child?

9

6

5

5

4

4

3

3

3

1

1

52

8

Teachers' commitment to children/ bettercommunication with


Good idea/ positive for children

Socializing with children/ socialization

Child would spend time with family/ closeto home


Freer behavior/ building independence/development of commun

A kind of assistance when kindergarten isnot available

Better safety of children

If it's free

Other

None

Don't know

17

10

5

3

3

3

2

2

2

1

25

30

Once a week is not enough

There is no need for it/ someonewatches over the child

Children spend enough time withother children

It is better that child attendskindergarten

Kindergarten teacher comes to ourhome

I don't like the idea/ it doesn't suitme

Presence of parents/ child doesn'tspend any time with other

There is no one available to take thechild there/ it is far

We are not informed well enough

Other

None

Don't know

Most parents see neither clear benefits nor disadvantages of such a project

86Multiple answers; Base: those who live in areas without a kindergarten (49% of target population)

What would be benefits of such interactive services? What would be disadvantages of such interactive services?

Those who live in areas without a kindergarten: WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS

87

Parents who live in areas without a kindergarten would accept a program with organized transportation to the kindergarten and back (93%). About 2/3 of parents (64%) would prefer this program took place in some local facilities, while 29% would prefer it took place in the closest town and those who share this opinion are more likely to be those who have already asked for information about enrollment in kindergarten as well as those whose children have already attended kindergarten or nursery.

Movable kindergartens would also be acceptable for most parents who live in areas without a kindergarten (82%).

Most parents who live in areas without a kindergarten (91%) haven’t heard of interactive services that include once a week visit of a kindergarten teacher to local school/local community to work with children. Opinions are divided regarding interest in this type of program and this is best illustrated by the fact that most parents see neither clear benefits nor disadvantages of such a project, or can’t specify them at least.

CONCLUSIONS

88

89

The survey indicates a necessity to inform parents about kindergartens...

Almost one out of three parents neither know how long children stay in kindergarten (30%) nor whether the kindergartens have programs according to which they work (29%).

Less than one half of parents actually did visit the kindergarten to inquire about its work and conditions for child’s enrollment (42%).

70% of parents are informed from personal contact with other parents.

Among the uninformed parents there is also the biggest number of barriers to three hours preparatory program even when financial obstacles are removed – even when it is free of charge more than half of the parents refuse to enroll the child.

Information are a necessary prerequisite for change of attitudes: the campaign should provide parents with information about kindergartens, and give them an opportunity to become familiar with work of the kindergarten in direct contact with kindergarten and its staff, with special accent on the most vulnerable group of parents

Parents have relatively small knowledge about kindergarten, and the least informed among them are poor parents from rural areas for whom the kindergarten is very distant:

90

Although attitude towards kindergarten is prevailingly positive, except for objective barriers, there are also some personal (psychological) barriers

However, on average, one in four parents believes that child will be more frequently sick than healthy when attending kindergarten, that parent is very attached to a little child, and that children are treated better at home.

Parents who have asked for information about conditions and enrollment in kindergarten are significantly more likely to be aware of various benefits of kindergarten (beyond socializing and babysitting) than parents who haven’t asked for this information.

Significance of separation parent – child, fostering independence, staying with peer group, as well as fear of diseases are psychological barriers that need most attention.

Most parents are aware of benefits of kindergarten beyond mere watching over children and socializing.Most common objective reasons specified by parents are distance, or unavailable transportation, and financial reasons.

91

Thinking about objective barriers for attending kindergarten –primary school location has potential...

Two thirds of parents live at least 4 kilometers away from the nearest kindergarten.

Average distance from the nearest kindergarten, observing rural settlements in the north of Montenegro, is 9.5 kilometers.

Primary schools are the most accessible facilities for these families: even 80% of them live less than 4 kilometers away from the nearest school.

Location of primary schools is a potential solution for families living in rural areas that are faced with objective barrier of having available a too distant, if available at all, kindergarten.

Kindergartens are located very far away for parents and children who live in rural settlements.The fact that the three-hour preparatory program would be free of charge makes it acceptable for great majority of parents.

92

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