Parent guide to kindergarten in Bratislava
In our parent guide you will find answers to the questions parents face before their child starts kindergarten and once they are going. We write about how to handle settling in and morning tears, when to keep your child at home, how admissions work in Slovakia and which allowances you may be entitled to. Every article is reviewed by Sovička’s head teacher, and where we write about the law we link to the official sources.
- All topics
- Settling in
- Choosing a kindergarten
- Health and meals
- English and curriculum
- Parenting and emotions
- Allowances and law
Parenting and emotions
Why is my child grumpy and defiant at home after kindergarten?
Many children keep to the rules all day at kindergarten and then let the tension out at home with their parent: crying, defiance, anger. A calm journey home, food, movement and fewer questions straight after pick-up all help. 23. 10. 2026 Choosing a kindergartenHow to choose a kindergarten: the questions worth asking on a visit
On a visit you meet the person who will look after your child. Our head teacher explains when to come, what to find out on the website first and which questions tell you the most. 23. 10. 2026 English and curriculumSpeech therapist for children: when pronunciation is a reason to worry
A three-year-old who says ‘lyba’ instead of the Slovak ‘ryba’ (fish) is perfectly fine. We explain when to pay closer attention, how to reach a speech therapist in Slovakia and what you can do at home. 23. 10. 2026 Parenting and emotionsMy child is biting or hitting at kindergarten: what to do
Biting and hitting are a common way for two- and three-year-olds to show anger, frustration or tiredness before they have the words. A calm, quick response helps, along with naming the feeling and practising what your child can do instead. 23. 10. 2026 Health and mealsDoes my child have to nap at kindergarten? Sleep and rest time
A rest after lunch is part of the kindergarten day, but not every child has to fall asleep. We explain how much sleep children need, why they stop napping, and what to do when sleep isn’t working at kindergarten or at home. 23. 10. 2026 Health and mealsChild won’t eat at kindergarten: why it happens and how to help
Refusing food at kindergarten is common, especially in the first weeks. We explain the causes and offer a three-week plan, the exact phrases that help at home, and the signs that mean it is time to see a doctor. 23. 10. 2026 Settling inWhat to pack for kindergarten: a first-day checklist
Your child needs indoor shoes, two sets of spare clothes, pyjamas, outdoor clothes and shoes, nappies if they still use them, and a favourite toy for nap time. Everything should be labelled. Here is a checklist, plus the things best left at home. 23. 10. 2026 Allowances and lawSchool readiness and deferring school entry in Slovakia: how to decide
Today, a “deferral” in Slovakia means continuing compulsory pre-primary education, and the kindergarten head teacher decides on it with the consent of a counselling centre and your paediatrician. We explain the process and how readiness is assessed. 23. 10. 2026 English and curriculumBilingual kindergarten: will my child get their languages mixed up?
Your child says “Mummy, give me the red lopta” and you worry that one language will spoil the other. Research says otherwise. Why children mix languages, when to pay attention and how to help at home. 23. 10. 2026 Health and mealsWhen to keep your child home? Fever, runny nose, cough and kindergarten rules
Fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, or a child who is clearly unwell all mean a day at home. A clear table, a five-step morning checklist and the rules for going back to kindergarten. 23. 10. 2026 Health and mealsChild always sick after starting kindergarten: why it happens and what helps
Frequent illness in the first year of kindergarten is common: your child’s immune system meets dozens of new viruses. We explain how much is still normal, what helps and when to pay closer attention. 23. 10. 2026 Choosing a kindergartenKindergarten admissions in Slovakia 2027/2028: dates, documents and steps
In recent years, applications to municipal and state kindergartens in Slovakia were submitted from 1 to 31 May. Here are the dates, documents, admission priorities and a year-round calendar so you don’t miss anything. 23. 10. 2026Looking for a kindergarten in Bratislava?
Admissions at Sovička are open and your child can start at any time of the year. Come and have a look with your child.
