Early childhood education and care

In North Macedonia, early childhood education and care (ECEC) provides education and care for children from birth until the age of six, when they enter primary education. Although not compulsory, participation in preschool education has gradually increased in recent years as a result of government policies aimed at expanding preschool capacity and improving access.

ECEC policy is implemented through shared responsibilities between institutions. The Ministry of Education and Science is responsible for the educational aspects, including curricula and learning standards, while the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy, in cooperation with municipalities, oversees the organisation, management and functioning of preschool institutions.

Most children attend preschools (detski gradinki), which include nursery groups for children under the age of three. A smaller number of children attend centres for early childhood development. Preschool provision may be public or private, although the vast majority of children are enrolled in public kindergartens.

Participation in preschool education has increased compared to previous years, but enrolment rates remain below the European Union target of 95% participation for children aged 3–6. Access remains particularly limited among some minority and vulnerable groups.

In addition to centre-based services, home-based early childhood care is also regulated under the Law on Child Protection, allowing childcare services to be provided in private homes or through licensed service providers under the supervision of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy.