Problem addressed

The national project PRIM II addressed the low participation of children from marginalized Roma communities (MRC) in preschool education and the resulting educational disadvantages.

It specifically focused on:
Removing barriers preventing Roma children from attending kindergartens (social, economic, cultural, and communication barriers),
Improving school readiness of children entering primary education,
Creating inclusive environments in kindergartens that respond to children’s diverse social backgrounds,
Strengthening cooperation between schools and families, mainly through new roles such as parental assistants,
Stabilizing support professions in education and employing Roma men and women in these positions,
And overall, reducing social exclusion and promoting equal educational opportunities from early childhood.

Innovative solution

• A new position of parental assistant was established in kindergartens, filled by Roma men and women from the local community. These assistants effectively built a bridge between the kindergarten and families, increasing children’s attendance and parents’ trust in education.

• The implemented stimulation program aimed at addressing partial developmental deficits proved effective over three school years. Only 1.45% of children entered the special education system, compared to the usual 16% in the Roma population in Slovakia.

• Preferential employment of Roma in the education system has proven beneficial for all parties: it breaks down barriers among the majority population, enhances understanding of Roma socio-cultural specifics, and helps Roma gain dignified employment, often for the first time. This opportunity motivates them to pursue further education and contribute positively to their communities.

• Kindergartens were better prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic, adapting to restrictions by continuing education beyond school premises. Many staff personally delivered worksheets to communities and provided strong support to parents.

• Many consider the greatest success that children from Roma communities who attended at least one year of preschool and participated in stimulation activities performed well later in primary school.

• By using lump-sum funding according to their specific needs, kindergartens improved material conditions for educating Roma children both during and beyond the project’s duration.

Key results and benefits

Results of NP PRIM II:
9,048 Roma children attended at least one year of preschool.
747 project-funded staff worked in kindergartens: 311 teacher assistants, 141 specialists (mainly special educators), 140 parental assistants, and 155 inclusion coordinators.
315 Roma men and women were employed as part of inclusive teams — mainly as parental assistants (140), but also as 154 teacher assistants, 17 specialists, and 4 coordinators.
417 training events were organized for inclusion teams (methodological workshops, micro-regional meetings).
418 kindergarten staff completed a long-term educational program on innovative inclusive approaches (organized by Škola plus s.r.o., 40 groups, 80 sessions).


Stimulation success rates:
Children aged 3–4 years: 79.11%
Children aged 5–6 years: 72.07%
Only 1.45% of children were placed in the special education system (compared to the typical 6% in the Roma population), showing improved inclusion in mainstream education.

Kindergartens involved in NP PRIM II transitioned in September 2023 to a new project managed by the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic through the National Institute for Education and Youth (NIVaM) – the NP Supporting Professions 3 project. All positions were transferred to the new project, with some gradually shifting to state budget funding.

Potential for mainstreaming

In terms of transferability to the target group of children, two key elements proved effective:

Involving parents from local communities in kindergarten staff positions, which fosters a positive environment and reduces prejudice.
A specifically designed stimulation program for children, targeting particular areas of weakened cognitive functions.