Early Childhood Education in Turkey: Nurseries and Preschools
Nurseries, Preschools, and Conditions for Foreigners in Turkey
Early Childhood Education in Turkey: Nurseries and Preschools
Early childhood education in Turkey is actively developing. While not mandatory by law, the government strongly encourages children to participate in these programs.
Structure of Early Childhood Education
Early childhood education in Turkey covers children from birth to age 6 and is divided into two types of institutions:
- Nurseries (kreş or gündüz bakımevi): for children aged 0–3 years.
- Preschools (anaokulu or anasınıfı): for children aged 3–6 years.
Nurseries are mainly run by private institutions and fall under the Ministry of Family and Social Services, whereas preschools are regulated by the Ministry of National Education.
Public Preschools
Public preschools are available for children from around 3 years old and provide education free of charge. These institutions are funded by the state budget.
Good news: Since 2023, all public preschools in Turkey offer free meals to students.
Schedule and Features:
Public preschools generally operate half-day sessions, usually in two shifts:
- Morning shift: 3–4 hours
- Afternoon shift: 3–4 hours
Some schools offer extended-day programs (“children’s clubs” – çocuk kulübü), where children can stay until the evening for an additional fee.
Private Nurseries and Preschools
Private institutions in Turkey offer more flexible conditions than public ones:
- Accept children from 2 years old (sometimes even from a few months)
- Multilingual education
- Specialized methods (Montessori, Waldorf)
- Advanced facilities and equipment
Cost: The average monthly fee for a private preschool is around $350–500 USD, while elite institutions can charge over $10,000 USD per year.
Conditions for Foreign Families
Foreign children have the right to attend both public and private preschools on equal terms with Turkish citizens, provided they have legal residency in the country.
Enrollment Requirements:
- Foreign Identification Number (Yabancı Kimlik Numarası)
- Passport or residence permit
- Proof of residence
- Vaccination certificate (in some institutions)
Note: Enrollment is not possible without legal status. However, the Turkish Ministry of Education allows children to enroll using a temporary identification number.
Comparison: Public vs Private Institutions
Public Preschools
Advantages:
- Free education
- Qualified teachers
- Full immersion in Turkish language
Disadvantages:
- Limited enrollment age
- Shortage of spots in large cities
- Limited program variety
Private Preschools
Advantages:
- Flexible schedules
- Individual approach
- Diverse programs
- Language preparation
Disadvantages:
- High cost
Conclusion
Turkey’s early childhood education system continues to evolve, offering improved quality and accessibility for all children, including foreigners.
Public preschools provide free, high-quality education, while private institutions offer flexibility, specialized programs, and a higher level of service. Families living in Turkey—both local and foreign—can choose the option that best fits their child’s needs and development.
