Parents and Children Finding a Second Home at Swedish Preschool
Anela Dzuzdanovic and her almost three-year-old son Adem have found a second home at the open preschool Hera in Malmö, Sweden. Originally from Montenegro, Anela emphasizes the importance of Adem learning to interact with other children, share toys, and understand rules. They are at the preschool almost every day, with Adem eagerly reminding his mother each morning that they need to go to school.
Their positive experience is indicative of a growing trend in Sweden, where 95 percent of children between the ages of three and five are now enrolled in preschool. However, despite this progress, a significant number of children, particularly those with a foreign background, are still not participating. Last year, 60 percent of the 17,000 children not attending preschool had a foreign background, highlighting the need for improved outreach efforts and education about the benefits of early childhood education.
One example of a successful initiative to bridge this gap is the open preschool Hera, which primarily serves newly arrived families and aims to facilitate integration. The preschool offers support to parents in applying for and understanding the importance of preschool, and also provides language resources, including bridge builders like Mahasen Al Zubeidi, who helps with cultural and language integration for parents from diverse backgrounds.
Experts, including Anette Emilsson, a professor of educational science at Kristianstad University, emphasize the critical role that preschool plays in children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. It is not only beneficial for children, but also helps parents, many of whom take advantage of opportunities to practice their Swedish language skills at Hera.
While there are still challenges to reaching all parents, the open preschool Hera is a shining example of efforts to create an inclusive community for all families. As parents and children gather around the kitchen table at Hera, sharing meals and learning together, the preschool becomes a second home for many families, providing valuable support and resources for both parents and children.