Social and Economic Aspects of the Limited Availability of Preschool Education in the Czech Republic

Abstract:

The paper summarizes findings resulting from the studies focused on conditions of preschool education provision in the Czech Republic. This study describes the current situation in the field of preschool education and highlights some of the weaknesses. The main aim of this article is to assess possible impact of insufficient availability of preschool education to social and economic areas. At first the theoretical framework that describes the history, legislative framework and current situation in preschool education is given. Demographic trends in the Czech Republic are further examined. Then the possibilities of preschool education provision are analyzed. In conclusion, the article assesses aspects of limited availability of preschool education in the Czech Republic and divides them to social and economic impacts. The results of the analysis reveal that improving the availability of preschool education allows reduction of the number of children and youth with special educational needs in future, the reduction of future social spending and decrease of criminality. Available preschool education is also considered as a prerequisite of career for women with small children.