Preschool education in Costa Rica

Preschool education in Costa Rica plays a fundamental role in the comprehensive development of boys and girls in their
early years of life. It is an educational level that is voluntarily provided and is considered as the foundation for their
subsequent academic and personal development.

In Costa Rica, preschool education is aimed at boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 6. The Fundamental Education
Law establishes that the main objective of this educational level is to promote the comprehensive development of
children, fostering their socialization, creativity, autonomy, motor skills, and logical thinking development. Preschool
education in Costa Rica is characterized by being inclusive and of quality. The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) is
responsible for regulating and supervising preschool educational centers, ensuring that they comply with the established
standards regarding infrastructure, qualified teaching staff, and appropriate educational programs. Preschool educational
centers in Costa Rica are usually both public and private. Public centers are funded by the State and offer free education,
while private centers usually have a monthly cost that varies depending on the center and its additional services.

Regarding the content and methodologies used in preschool education in Costa Rica, emphasis is placed on play as a
fundamental tool for children's learning and development. Active, playful, and participatory learning is promoted, giving
children the opportunity to explore, experiment, and discover the world around them. In addition, emphasis is placed on
the development of social skills, such as teamwork, respect, empathy, and effective communication. The acquisition of
language skills is also encouraged, both in Spanish and, in some cases, in indigenous languages or second foreign
languages. Preschool education in Costa Rica is based on a constructivist approach, where the child is considered an
active constructor of their own knowledge. Cultural diversity is valued, and efforts are made to foster a critical, reflective,
and respectful attitude in children towards others.

Overall, preschool education in Costa Rica stands out for its commitment to the comprehensive formation of boys and
girls, laying the foundations for successful development in subsequent educational levels. However, it is important to
continue strengthening and expanding access to preschool education, especially in rural areas and marginalized
communities, to ensure that all children have equal opportunities from an early age.