Preschool and compulsory preparation: przedszkole

Check your child’s age, municipal recruitment and the steps needed to confirm a preschool place.

Choose the right stage

Preschool normally serves children aged 3–6; compulsory annual preschool preparation applies at 6. A preschool class at a primary school can also provide this preparation. A nursery for younger children is a different service. Ask the municipality which route applies to your child, including any individual deferral or special arrangements.

Check local recruitment

Contact the gmina or city office and read the current recruitment calendar, participating settings and vacancy information. Check whether you apply online or on paper and how preferences and criteria are documented. Mid-year arrival or a missed main round requires asking about vacancies or supplementary recruitment, not waiting without contacting anyone.

Submit and confirm

Prepare the application, child and guardian identification, address and documents supporting claimed criteria. Give PESEL if assigned and ask how to identify the child if it is not. Keep submission proof and check the results. Qualification is not final admission: confirm acceptance within the local deadline and complete the required paperwork.

Before the first day

If no place is offered, ask the municipality about an alternative and the applicable refusal or appeal procedure. A municipal obligation to provide a place does not guarantee your first choice. Clarify opening hours, meals, chargeable attendance, exemptions, collection permissions and language or additional needs. Agree an adaptation plan and keep emergency contacts current.

Editorial summary checked against official sources: 2026-10-26

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