Knowledge, attitudes and practices of parents from the northern
municipalities regarding pre-school education
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METHODOLOGY
 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
2
SAMPLE
Current
working status
of mother
Rural
Nuclear family
Multigenerational
family
Mother is working
Mother is not
working
Up to 50 eur
51-100 eur
Over 100 eur
Refusal
One child
2 or more children
HH income per HH member
Urban
Type of
household
Without
kindergarten
Type of
settlement
Number of
children of
kindergarten
age in the
household
With kindergarten
Type of
settlement
100% Parents of children who are born in 2009., 2010. i 2011. and don’t attend kindergarten
51%
49%
44%
56%
65%
35%
15%
85%
43%
34%
18%
5%
85%
15%
No
Yes
No
Objective
obstacles
Financial
barriers
Personal
reasons
Yes
No
Montenegrin
Serbian
Muslim
Other
Nationality
Yes
Main reason why
children don`t attend
a kindergarten
Willingness to
attend free 3hour
preschool
program
No
Mother or
father attend
nursery/kind
ergarten
Yes
Child
attended a
nursery or
kindergarten
Asked for
information
about the
conditions for
enrollment of
child in
kindergarten
18%
82%
15%
85%
53%
47%
29%
31%
40%
92%
8%
22%
23%
46%
9%
3
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
For children from rural settlements
who do not go to kindergarten it is
characteristic that:
Type of settlement in which the
household is located:
Urban settlement
7
39
Village with
kindergarten and
school
Village with school, but
without kindergarten
44
10
Isolated village (school
is at the distance of
more than 5 km)
Half live in clustered settlements and
another half in scattered settlements
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
Base: Total target population
Base: rural settlements (56% of target population)
5
On average, for the children from rural areas who do not go to kindergarten it
is the farthest institution
How far is the closest institution – in km?
Kindergarten / other
preschool institution if
relevant
9.5
Outpatient clinic
7.3
Post office
7.2
Primary school
2.4
Average values; Base: rural settlements (56% of target population)
6
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
Distance from the closest primary school:
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
50
12
18
20
Base: rural settlements (56% of target population)
7
Majority of parents from rural settlements, almost 2/3 of them, visit urban
settlement less than once a week
How often during one week do you go to
urban settlement (place) during one typical
week?
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
10
Every day
28
Two to three
times a week
61
Less than once a
week
*Multiple answers
In majority of cases (74%) they come to
town with their own car*
*Multiple answers
50% of them do not have access to any
public transport, while 14% have access
to some irregular transport
Base: rural settlements (56% of target population)
8
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.
Type of household
Multigenerational 35%
Nuclear 61%
Total number of household members:
20
Up to 3
4
25
39
3
4
6
5
7+
6
Base: Total target population
12
2
5
26
4%
Number of children below 18 years of age in
the household:
1
9
21
Single parent
32
11
4
2
7
0
9
0
11
Information about number of children below 18 years of age and their
educational status
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: Total 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 born between 1996 and 2008 (65% of target population)
Base: If there are children in the household born from 1996 to 2000 (14% of target population)
12
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
Who lives in your household?
Child/children
100
Mother of children
99
Father of children
94
Father in law/mother in law (husband`s parents)
32
Other family members, please specify
12
Persons who are not relatives but live in the same
household
1
Father in law/mother in law (wife`s parents)
1
Multiple answers; Base: Total target population
99% of the households do not have
children with disabilities
13
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.
What is the last finished school of child`s/
children`s mother?
What is the last finished school of child`s/
children`s father?
The first 4 grades of
primary school
The first 4 grades of
primary school
9
3
11
Finished primary
school
1
Finished primary
school
16
22
10
Finished II or III
degree (trade - two or
three grades of
primary school)
Finished secondary
school (IV degree)
57
Finished college
and/or university
More than ½ of mothers are unemployed, 30% are
housewives, while 10% are permanently employed
Base: Total target population
11
62
Finished II or III
degree (trade - two
or three grades of
primary school)
Finished secondary
school (IV degree)
Finished college
and/or university
1/3 of fathers are unemployed while 39% are
permanently employed
14
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
15
permanent job
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...)
Evaluation of household`s dwelling (based on interviewer`s impression)
Flat in residential
building
32
New house in good
condition
6
3
8
Older house in
relatively good
condition
Dilapidated house
51
TV set
99
Mobile phone
99
Electricity
99
Running water for drinking
97
Bathroom (space for bathing -…
96
WC within flat /house
95
Connection to sewer or septic tank
93
Car
72
Other
Personal computer
63
Internet connection
52
Fixed phone
Motorcycle/moped
Base: Total target population
26
3
17
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
Base: Total target population
18
Financial situation of families with children who do not go to kindergarten
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 with
Regular monthly income, while 16% have not a single member
With 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.
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
Base: Total target population
19
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.
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.
On how many days in the past week was -
On how many days in the past week was To leave child alone longer than half an hour?
0
61
To leave child under the care of other child
from the household younger than 10 years longer
than half an hour?
0
89
1
9
1
2
9
2
2
3
1
4
0
5
1
6
0
3
4
4
1
5
6
7
9
2
7
6
Base: Total target population
3
5
22
Persons who are mentioned most frequently as helpers in such situations are
grandmothers and spouse
When you have to leave the house is there a person in your household who could take care of the child?
Yes, mother in law
38
Yes, spouse
31
Yes, other family members
9
Yes, older children - brothers,
sisters older than 10
8
Neighbor, friend, the woman
who is paid to care after the ch
3
Yes, older children - brothers,
sisters younger than 10
3
No/ usually not
Base: Total target population
9
23
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.
Do you pay some other person to care about your child/children?
1
Yes
35
No, some family member
cares for the child (mother in
law, etc)
64
No, there is no need to care
for children
Base: Total target population
24
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.
How many hours a day does this person
stay with the child?
Less than an
hour
9
What does the child do with this person?
Plays with toys
65
WatchesTV/cartoons
64
1-3 hours
Sings songs
17
30
3-5 hours
53
Draws, colors...
51
Learns letters
9
35
More than 5
hours
No one except
mother is
taking care of
the child
Learns to read and write
29
Plays games (tablet, computer,
phone...)
22
Nothing, the child him/herself
finds the way to spend time,
Other
No one except mother is taking
care of the child
Base: Total target population
33
15
Multiple answers
2
15
25
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
And how much time does mother actively spend
in interaction with child during one day?
What does the child do with mother?
Plays with toys
94
WatchesTV/cartoons
Less than an
hour
93
3
3
1
Draws, colors...
1-3 hours
Sings songs
3-5 hours
Learns letters
More than 5
hours
92
88
86
61
Learns to read and
write
50
Plays games (tablet,
computer, phone...)
Other
Nothing, the child
him/herself finds…
Base: Total target population
43
3
Multiple answers
2
26
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
Could you, please, tell me how many of the following items are there in your household for your child aged 3-5 years?
None
1-3
Bolls
Dolls - plasticdolls, stuffed dolls, simulation of
kitchens, surgery
Children`s books - fairy tales, stories
4-10
3
73
9
14
Toys for development of certain child`s functions - e.g.
fitting shapes and forms.
20
Base: Total target population
38
9
46
31
42
24
4
28
38
53
2
29
37
20
Children`s books - scientific topics adapted for
children
23
49
17
Coloring books
Picture books with notions about the world (e.g.
animas, nature ...)
Over 10
10
33
29
61% of children do not have
clay/plasticine, 36% have one or two
pieces36%
5
16
3
27
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
Could you, please, tell me how many of the following items are there in your household for your child aged 3-5 years?
Dolls - plasticdolls, stuffed dolls, simulation of
kitchens, surgery
10.9
Toys for development of certain child`s functions e.g. fitting shapes and forms.
5.6
Children`s books - fairy tales, stories
5.1
Picture books with notions about the world (e.g.
animas, nature ...)
3.8
Coloring books
3.7
Bolls
Children`s books - scientific topics adapted for
children
Base: Total target population
AVERAGE VALUES
2.8
1.9
28
BABYSITTING PRACTICES
 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.
29
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
On which parameters do you estimate that your child is developing - both physically and mentally?
The child grows up - gains in height and weight
95
The child eats nicely
81
The child is physically dexterous (can kick ball, throw ball...)
78
The child socializes and plays with other children
76
The child is curious and follows what happens around him/her
75
The child is able to articulate his/her needs
70
The child learns and adopts new things (colors, numbers, letters,
words...)
70
The child is always cheerful and happy with other people
68
The child doesn`t often get sick
62
The child is peaceful and obedient
61
The child doesn`t cry much
Multiple answers; Base: Total target population
52
31
The highest percentage of parents obtained information about child
development from medical workers and from older women in family
Where have you learned what you know about the ages at which a child should know or be able to do certain things, for example
stand up, speak simple words, etc?
From pediatrician, midwives, visiting nurse...
67
From older household members - mother, mother in
law...
49
From friends, acquaintances who have children
33
From TV (e.g. "Vreme je za bebe") and radio
24
Brochures from maternity hospital/from
pediatrician, professional literature …
7
Other
8
Multiple answers; Base: Total target population
32
... And the advisors who are not active medical workers were usually
housewives
What is the profession of that person(s)?
Housewife
63
Doctor
36
Teacher
22
Skilled worker (seller, nurse etc.)
20
Intellectual (engineer, economist, lawyer etc.)
12
Worker
12
Pensioner
10
Farmer
5
Artisan, craftsman, shop owner
4
Administrative worker, lower management
4
Parents with experience
3
Psychologist/ pedagogue
3
Secondary school pupil/ student
3
Army/Police
2
Other
2
Don’t know
3
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)
33
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.
Who should receive more parental attention?
Who should be punished physically more
(cuffed, slapped)?
1 1
3
8
Boys
Boys
Girls
Girls
Both
95
68
No one
25
Both
No one
Većina roditelja je protiv
fizičkog kažnjavanja dece
Base: Total target population
34
... Parents think that children of both genders equally benefit from preschool
activities and from school attendance.
Who benefits more from preschool activities
where various things are learned?
96
Who benefits more from attending school?
1 1
1 1
2
3
Boys
Boys
Girls
Girls
Both
Both
No one
No one
Base: Total target population
96
35
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.
26
Early childhood is a stage when children learn
and develop very rapidly; for this reason they
need many new experiences and adults to
guide and support them.
Young children grow and develop naturally in
the early years; they should start learning once
they enter school.
75
Base: Total target population
36
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 some
old-fashioned principles. I have two older sisters who have children,
You need to talk to him more often, to work with him ..."
my friends have older children. "
MOTHER, rural area with no kindergarten
Unemployed mother, rural area with kindergarten
"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
37
ENHANCEMENT OF CHILD DEVELOPMENT
 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.
38
KNOWLEDGE ABOUT
KINDERGARTEN
39
State kindergartens are the closest to most families. However,
19% have no kindergarten nearby.
Which kindergartens are close enough so that your child could attend them?
State kindergarten
80
Private kindergarten
Kindergarten under the patronage of some NGO
Religious kindergarten
7
2
In 51% of cases the closest
state kindergarten is located
in family’s place of residence
1
There is no kindergarten nearby
Multiple answers; Base: Total target population
19
40
Kindergarten is territorially available to approximately half of families – 56%
of parents say that it takes them 15 minutes to reach it
What is the distance in kilometers of the closest
kindergarten from your home?
How much time would it take you to bring
the child to kindergarten? - Minutes
15
10
23
34
28
Up to 1
km
1.1 - 4
km
4.1-10
km
Over 10
km
Base: Total target population
19
35
37
Up to 5
min.
6-15
min.
16-45
min.
Over 45
min.
41
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.
Which means of transportation are available for children in your place to come to this kindergarten (that is, to you to
take the child)?
Private car
84
On foot
17
Local transportation
22
Motorcycle/moped
Organized transportation
to kindergarten
Other
4
1
3
Multiple answers; Base: Families living in settlements without kindergarten
42
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.
Is there free places in this kindergarten
or the capacities are full?
How many hours a day do the children
stay in this kindergarten?
There are free
places
3-4h, (from8-12hin
the morning), the
children do not sleep
in the kindergarten
30
6-8h, children sleep in
the kindergarten in
afternoon
35
There is no free
places,
capacities are
full
57
18
41
There are both
possibilities in this
kindergarten
Do not know
9
11
Base: Total target population
Do not know
43
Parents whose children don’t attend kindergarten still believe that the role
of kindergarten in children’s life is very important
In your opinion, how important is kindergarten for child development?
Very important
62
Somewhat important
24
Neither important nor
not
Somewhat not
important
Not important at all
12
2
1
Base: Total target population
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
44
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
Primary role of kindergartens is
to support employed parents
through watching over their
children 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.
78
Base: Total target population
67% of parents believe that preschool
institutions have a curriculum that
stipulates exactly what children
should learn in kindergarten
45
Kindergarten is primarily expected to teach children social skills and
independence (hygienic routine, getting dressed…)
What should children learn in a kindergarten?
80
To fit in a group of peers, to socialize
69
To learn songs
59
Nice manners - to ask for things politely, to say „thank you“,…
56
To learn basic terms - e.g. colours, numbers, seasons,...etc
54
To be independent - to know how get dressed, to prepare for…
To be independent - not to be overly attached to parents
53
To learn letters and numbers
53
50
Discipline - to learn to complete tasks given by the teacher
50
Hygiene -when to take off shoes, to brush teeth, to wash hands…
47
To increase the number of used words
45
To be self-confident - to gain self-confidence
Not to be selfish, to share things with other children
42
To learn how to read and write
41
40
Not to be spoilt or choosy (e.g. to eat the lunch)
39
To develop fine motor skills: to learn how to colour more…
36
Constancy - to know when it`s time for breakfast, for playing, for…
33
To develop gross motor skills: to stand stable, kick a ball, run, do…
8
Child should just socialize in kindergarten, he/she is still too little…
Do not know
0
Multiple answers; Base: Total target population
46
Only 1/3 of parents whose children don’t attend kindergarten consider
themselves informed about activities of preschool institutions
How informed about activities of preschool institutions do you consider yourself, or about what children are doing in
kindergartens?
I am fully informed
15
I am mainly informed
23
Neither much nor little
19
I am mainly uninformed
16
I know almost nothing
27
Base: Total target population
47
…And this information is mainly obtained from friends, family and
acquaintances whose children attend kindergarten
How do you get informed about kindergartens?
70% of parents get informed
about kindergarten activities
from several sources
Stories I hear from friends, family, acquaintances whose
children attend kindergarten
8
92
54
The media (TV, newspapers, radio, Internet)
46
I visited the closest kindergarten to ask for information
58
42
Stories from school, from teachers
58
42
Experience with my own child who attends a
kindergarten
Local healthcare units and hospitals
Parent himself went to kindergarten 86
67
33
Yes
70
30
No
14
Base: those who get informed about kindergartens from several sources of information (70% of target population)
48
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.
"I think it's the right thing for children
to go to kindergarten at that age. Just because child's The child is different when it goes to kindergarten. Acquires habits.
If a child is directly sent to school – it is a problem "
development,psychological development and
MOTHER, place the kindergarten
those preparations and learning. "
Unemployed mother, a place with kindergarten
"I’ve learnd about preschool know from my godchild,
they learn rhymes. They draw, make fruits,
omething related to fall. I think they need it at that age. " "Well, I think that children from kindergarten differ ... I think
Unemployed mother, a place with kindergarten
they 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
"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
49
KNOWLEDGE ABOUT KINDERGARTENS
 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.
50
KNOWLEDGE ABOUT KINDERGARTENS
 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.
51
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
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?
Yes, it is better to attend a
kindergarten anyhow
13
8
No, it is better not to attend a
kindergarten if someone can
take care of him at home
Do not know
80
Base: Total target population
53
The main reasons for this attitude: better preparedness for school, socializing
role of kindergarten, learning nice manners and becoming independent
Why do you think child should attend a kindergarten?
To be more prepared for school
60
To socialize: to learn how to behave in a group of peers
59
To learn nice manners - to ask for things politely, to say „thank
you“, „you're welcome“, etc.
56
To be independent - to know how get dressed, to prepare for
bed, to tidy up his toys etc.
54
To stimulate development: to learn songs, plays...
51
To stimulate development: to learn basic terms – e.g. colours,
numbers, seasons,...
50
To adopt discipline - to learn how to be persistent and
complete tasks given by the teacher
47
To acquire self-confidence through relationship with peers
and older people (for instance stage appearances before…
45
To obtain preferred traits:for instance to share things with
other children, to be sensitive to the needs of others, to…
44
To acquire hygiene routines: when to take off shoes, to brush
teeth, to wash hands (for instance before and after eating,…
Multiple answers; Base: Total target population
41
54
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.
Why do you think child should stay at home (not attend a kindergarten)?
If kindergarten is very far away, without provided transport
or/and no one to take the child there
There is no reason to pay for a kindergarten if someone can
take care of the child at home
Children get sick often when attending kindergarten, they are
more frequently sick than healthy
Various children attend kindergarten and child might not fit
in, pick up bad traits or words or be bullied
It is hard for mother (or other family members) not to be
with a little child
Mother or father, grandparents and other family members
will 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
55
28
26
13
13
11
9
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 every
day
Child won`t learn anything in a kindergarten that he wouldn’t
learn at home
9
9
6
Other
6
Do not know
6
Multiple answers; Base: Total target population
55
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.
At what age do you think child should spend time with his/her group of peers?
One year
Two years
2
6
Three years
47
Four years
29
Five years
First grade of primary
school
11
7
Base: Total target population
56
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
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.
75
25
61
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.
39
78
22
21
It is better for a child age 3 to 5 to spend some time with his/her peers in a kindergarten every day.
79
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.
Base: Total target population
72
28
38
63
57
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.
2
81
Kindergarten is not only a place where children are watched over, but it also
stimulates child development.
4
80
Child forms discipline practices and habits in kindergarten - set time of getting
up in the morning, having meals, going to bed.
4
78
It is important that a child age 3 to 5 spends time with his/her peers.
Kindergarten offers child development programs with professionals, which
child can`t have at home.
16
59
23
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.
48
33
If grandparents can watch over a child, there is no need to send him/her to a
kindergarten.
46
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.
45
Kindergarten teachers have completed necessary education, but they are not
working well with childrenin the kindergarten in our place of residence.
66
44
30
14
9
Various children attend kindergarten and my child might get into bad company,
pick up bad traits or be bullied.
71
9
Kindergarten is not good enough for my child - cleanliness and food are poor.
71
9
Kindergarten is not good enough for my child - teachers wouldn`t devote
enough attention to my child.
Base: Total target population
74
Agree
(4+5)
Disagree
(1+2)
6
58
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.
In your opinion, which of the following should a child know before going to school?
To know the basics of nice manners: greeting the
teacher, saying "you’re welcome", "thank you", "here
you are", etc.
1
99
To know how to behave in the classroom - - listening to
others, obeying the rules...
2
98
To know how present himself, to express his opinion
2
98
To know some basic terms - colors, shapes, numbers...
2
98
11
Some knowledge about the environment and nature
89
36
The alphabet
64
Yes
Reading
Base: Total target population
66
34
No
59
ATTITUDE TOWARDS KINDERGARTEN
 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.
60
ATTITUDE TOWARDS KINDERGARTEN
 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.
61
KINDERGARTEN
PRACTICES
62
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
Has a child of yours ever attended a nursery or kindergarten?
1
16
Yes, a nursery
2
Yes, a kindergarten
Yes, both nursery and
kindergarten
No
82
Base: Total target population
55% of parents whose children
have never attended
kindergarten* thought about
enrolling them
*Base: if child did not attend kindergarten (83% of target population)
63
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.
How old was your child when he/she was
enrolled in nursery/kindergarten?
For how long did your child attend
nursery/kindergarten?
46
Up to 2 months
14
30
25
22
2.1 months - 1
year
1.1 - 2 years
15
Over 2 years
9
34
4
1
6
5
4
3
2
1
Base: if child attended a nursery or kindergarten (19% of target population)
64
More than half of parents have asked for information about the conditions
for enrollment of their child/ children in kindergarten, and sources of
information were mainly preschool facilities, family members, friends,
neighbors...
Have you asked for information about the conditions
for enrollment of your child/ children in kindergarten?
Where have you asked for information
about the conditions for enrollment of your
child/ children in kindergarten?
Kindergarten
47
Yes
54
No
Family, friends,
acquaintances,
neighbors
54
Pediatrician/local
healthcare unit
At school/teacher
Base: Total target population
61
23
16
Multiple answers; Base: those who asked for information about the conditions for
enrollment of their child/ children in kindergarten (54% of target population)
65
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
In your household, who makes the decision on whether child will attend nursery, kindergarten...?
Mother
62
Father
59
Common decision
of family members
Grandparents
38
97% of parents were not advised
NOT TO ENROLL their children in
kindergarten
1
77% of parents were not advised TO
ENROLL their children in
kindergarten, while 22% were
advised by friends and neighbors
Multiple answers; Base: Total target population
66
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.
Does it relate to your child?
Someone takes care of the child at home
53
54
57
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 kindergarten
Children get sick often when attending kindergarten, they are more
frequently sick than healthy
There 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 kindergarten
It would be very hard for me not to be with my child while he/she is so little
Children have company even if they don`t go to a kindergarten - in the park
nearby, at relatives, neighbors etc.
Child is too young for kindergarten
Child won`t learn relevant things in kindergarten that he/she wouldn`t learn
at home
Only if child spend some time in a nursery/kindergarten:Child couldn`t adapt,
get used to kindergarten
Poor 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/ disability
Refusal/rejection (kindergarten wouldn`t enroll the child) in spite of met
conditions
We don`t know where to enroll the child
Base: Total target population
72
73
77
81
86
88
89
95
96
97
97
97
98
99
99
100
42
47
46
43
59
28
27
23
19
14
12
11
5
5
4
4
4
2
1
Yes
No
1
67
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.
What are the reasons why your child/children age 3 to 5 years don`t go to a kindergarten? What is the main reason?
31
We can not pay the fee for kindergarten
21
We have someone to take care about the child at home
16
The closest kindergarten is very far away
Child is attached to his/her mother/other family member and doesn’t
want to attend kindergarten
5
4
There isn't anyone to take the child to kindergarten
7
We can`t provide transport to the kindergarten
Children get sick often when attending kindergarten, they are more
frequently sick than healthy
5
3
The child is too small for peer group
Working time of kindergarten does not suit the parents
1
Poor kindergarten service, they don`t take adequate care of children
1
Base: Total target population
Main reason
68
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
37
31
29
Financial barriers
Objective obstacles
Base: Total target population
Personal reasons
69
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.
How much money monthly would you be willing to pay for child s kindergarten?
Up to 20e
35
21-30e
40
31-40e
More than 40e
3
13
I wouldn`t pay for the
kindergarten
10
Base: Total target population
70
These attitudes are confirmed and illustrated by the data obtained through
individual in-depth interviews with parents and kindergaten teachers
"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 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 not
see anything like that, maybe because he was little.
They turn on cartoons for them to wach ... "
MOTHER, place with kindergarten
"I think that kindergarten it's better for children to
socialize. But there are children with different manner
And there can learn many wrong things from them,
in the family that cannot happen if the family is norma
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
71
KINDERGARTEN PRACTICES
 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 conditions
for 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).
72
KINDERGARTEN PRACTICES
 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.
73
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
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?
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
93
Base: Total target population
75
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
What do you think are the main advantages of this program?
Because it's for free
28
Socializing with children
25
Education/ child development
18
Preparation for school
13
It would be good for the child/ good idea, program
12
Kindergarten being in the vicinity
6
Child is becoming independent
5
Time spent there
4
Organized transport
4
Raising, behavior, habits
4
Opportunity for all children to attend kindergarten
Safety/ childcare
Other
None
Don't know
2
1
4
4
6
Multiple answers; Base: Total target population
76
Most parents either find no disadvantages or can’t specify them
What do you think are the main disadvantages of this program?
Short stay
6
Program is unknown/ what it offers
2
Conditions (hygiene, food)
2
It's crowded/ small space
1
It depends on vicinity
1
Too extensive program for little children
1
Manner of communicating/ time that teacher devotes… 1
If there will be transportation organized
1
Whether there are enough capacities and funds for this… 0
If it's really going to be for free
0
Mistrust/ I don't see the point
0
Other
0
None
Don't know
Multiple answers; Base: Total target population
74
13
77
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?
Multiple answers:
32
32
33
63% of parents* would be
able to enroll their child in
such a program if it were
held in the afternoon, after
16h
*Single answer
6
None of the shiftsAfternoon 16h to Middle 12h to Morning 9 to 12h
would suit me
19h
15h
Base: Total target population
78
WILLINGNESS TO ATTEND FREE 3-HOUR PREPARATORY PRESCHOOL
PROGRAM
 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.
79
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).
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 child
in a kindergarten and use this service?
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?
7
Program in the local
school
29
Program in the
kindergarten in the
school in the city
Yes
3
No
4
64
I wouldn`t enroll my
child in any of those
programs
Do not know
93
Base: those who live in areas without a kindergarten (49% of target population)
81
Movable kindergartens would also be acceptable for most parents (82%)
who live in areas without a kindergarten
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?
18
Yes
No
82
Base: those who live in areas without a kindergarten (49% of target population)
82
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
Why would you enroll your child into this program?
Socializing with children
26
It would be good for the child/ good idea, program
18
Education/ child development
15
Interesting program/ It would be interesting to children
10
Organized transport
8
Safety/ childcare
5
Because it's free
5
Preparation for school
3
It is important that child attends kindergarten/ it is bette
3
Raising, behavior, habits
1
Kindergarten being in the vicinity
1
Child is becoming independent
1
Time spent there
Multiple answers
0
Base: those who live in areas without a kindergarten (49% of target population)
83
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.
Why wouldn`t you enroll your child into this program?
Fear/ safety issue
12
I have no confidence/ I don't like it/ it is better
that the
6
Multiple answers
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)
6
2
2
Base: those who live in areas without a kindergarten (49% of target population)
84
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
Have you heard of interactive services that include
once a week visit of a kindergarten teacher to local
school/local community, working with children,
combined with visits to families?
What do you think about this possibility,
would you be interested to include your child?
30
29
10
Yes
16
17
No
9
91
We would
Mainly
Nor
Mainly We would be
not be
uninterested interested interested
fully
interested at
neither
interested
all
uninterested
Base: those who live in areas without a kindergarten (49% of target population)
85
Most parents see neither clear benefits nor disadvantages of such a project
What would be benefits of such interactive services?
Teachers' commitment to children/ better
communication with
What would be disadvantages of such interactive services?
9
Once a week is not enough
17
Education/ child development
6
There is no need for it/ someone
watches over the child
Good idea/ positive for children
5
Children spend enough time with
other children
Socializing with children/ socialization
5
It is better that child attends
kindergarten
3
Kindergarten teacher comes to our
home
3
I don't like the idea/ it doesn't suit
me
3
Child would spend time with family/ close
to home
4
Preparation for school
4
Freer behavior/ building independence/
development of commun
3
A kind of assistance when kindergarten is
not available
Better safety of children
5
3
Presence of parents/ child doesn't
spend any time with other
2
3
There is no one available to take the
child there/ it is far
2
We are not informed well enough
2
If it's free
1
Other
1
Other
None
Don't know
10
52
8
1
None
Don't know
Multiple answers; Base: those who live in areas without a kindergarten (49% of target population)
25
30
86
Those who live in areas without a kindergarten: WILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT
ALTERNATIVE PROGRAMS
 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.
87
CONCLUSIONS
88
The survey indicates a necessity to inform parents about
kindergartens...
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:
 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
89
Although attitude towards kindergarten is prevailingly positive,
except for objective barriers, there are also some personal
(psychological) barriers
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.
 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.
90
Thinking about objective barriers for attending kindergarten –
primary school location has potential...
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.
 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.
91
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