Liechtenstein  

Author(s)

• Geert De Raedemaeker, Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences & Arts

Reviewer

Mart Achten, Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences & Arts

Abstract

Liechtenstein's education system is organised under the supervision of the state. This applies to both state schools and private schools (European Commission/EACEA/Eurydice/Eurostat, 2019). The main characteristics of Liechtenstein's education system has been influenced by the education system of the German speaking neighbouring countries, in particular, the education system from Switzerland (von Kopp, 2015).Liechtenstein has a split system for the organisation of early childhood education and care (ECEC). The transition takes place from 4 years of age. From 4 months and up to 4 years of age, children can go to centre-based settings like Kindertagesstätte and Kinderkrippe. Home-based care is also possible (Tageseltern), but is less common. Childcare settings fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Culture and are supervised by the Office of Social Services. (European Commission/EACEA/Eurydice/Eurostat, 2019)From 4 years of age, children are entitled to pre-primary education, which is provided in Kindergarten and is free of charge. Public kindergartens fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Education and Sport, while private kindergartens are the responsibility of the Office of Social Services within the Ministry of Social Affairs. Nearly all children from 4 to 5 years of age attend kindergarten for 2 years, which is provided for the purpose of pre-school education. The subsequent period of compulsory schooling is 9 years, starting with 5 years of primary school and continuing with 4 years of lower secondary school (European Commission/EACEA/Eurydice/Eurostat, 2019).The pedagogic staff working in the childcare settings are trained at the vocational education level. The respective education is offered in Liechtenstein (or Switzerland) as a three year long vocational education. Staff working with younger children are not required to have more than an upper secondary qualification. The teaching profession and the respective requirement specifications for the various school levels are detailed in the relevant laws and ordinances. As there are no teacher training institutions in Liechtenstein, teachers are mainly trained in Switzerland and Austria (European Commission/EACEA/Eurydice/Eurostat, 2019).

References

• European Commission/EACEA/Eurydice/Eurostat. (2019). Key Data on Early Childhood Education and Care in Europe. 2019 Edition. Eurydice and Eurostat Report. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union: doi:10.2797/894279
• Von Kopp, B. (2015). Liechtenstein. In: W. Hörner et al. (eds.), The Education Systems of Europe, Global Education Systems (pp. 457-471). doi:10.1007/978-3-319-07473-3_27

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CO-129-Liechtenstein.pdf