Delusions of preschool education

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How does the demand for greater efficiency impact preschool education? What if curriculum evaluation shifts to focus on the ratio of a child's participation in preschool to their learning outcomes at initial and higher education levels, compared to the funds invested? What changes occur in preschool institutions if development documents advocate for an educational system that enhances employability and competitiveness in the labor market? Additionally, what implications arise from evaluating preschool effectiveness monthly and rewarding the most effective teachers? The authors argue that current concepts of preschool education require reevaluation. By analyzing documents from international institutions and examining Slovenia and other former Yugoslav countries, the text addresses these and other pertinent questions. The conclusion is clear: when preschool education policies prioritize measuring children's achievements, they overlook the fundamental mission of fostering optimal development for every child. As the educational system becomes increasingly utilitarian, the cultivation of critical, responsible, and autonomous individuals loses significance.