Kindergarten

In the 21st century, the term kindergarten refers to an educational institution for children from 3 to 6 [Page 1036]years, regardless of didactic–methodic concepts, worldview, or ideology. There are still kindergartens that are denominational or progressive teaching-oriented, including Montessori or Waldorf kindergartens. There are also kinderladens, which are self-administered by a group of parents. Most recently, inclusive kindergartens have appeared, often aligned with digital education or early multilingualism. With respect to early child education and the elementary level, preschool education constitutes a time-limited narrow phase, but this doesn’t mean it is an insignificant phase. Indeed, neuroscience research indicates that during the early years, there is a particular learning ability or the neuroplasticity that permits a window of opportunities. This entry defines kindergarten, explores its early ...