“Pre-university education” includes educational levels with codes 0, 1, 2 and 3, according to the “International Standard Classification of Education”. According to this standard, “Level with code 0”, refers to preschool education.

Preschool education aims at the social, intellectual and physical development of each child, the practice of basic rules of conduct and hygiene, the cultivation of values, and preparation for primary education.
Preschool education is attended by children aged three to six. Children aged five are also allowed to attend preparatory classes at basic education schools, with the aim of integration into compulsory education.

In Albania, early childhood education and care (ECEC) is provided for children aged 0–5 years. Nurseries (çerdhe) provide ECEC for children aged 0–3 years and kindergartens (kopshte) provide ECEC for children aged 3–5 years. Nurseries are under the responsibility of local governance units, whereas kindergartens fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Education  with regard to curricula and teachers.

Kindergartens and nurseries can be either public or private. Both public nurseries and private nurseries charge fees. Public nurseries’ fees are set by local governance units. Private nurseries’ fees are set by their owners. Public kindergartens can be full-day or half-day kindergartens. For full-day public kindergartens, fees are set at local governance level. Half-day public kindergartens are free of charge. It is not obligatory for children to attend nursery-or kindergarten-level education (i.e. ECEC) in Albania.