About 3,400 children expected to enroll in kindergarten, says DSEDJ

Centralized registration for children enrolling in kindergarten for the first time in the 2026/2027 academic year began yesterday, with the Education and Youth Development Bureau (DSEDJ) saying the process has so far run smoothly and that parents need not worry about a shortage of places.

Ka Si In, head of DSEDJ’s Early Childhood and Primary Education Division, said both online registration and in-person counter services operated without disruption on the first day of enrollment. As of noon, hundreds of parents had completed registration, reflecting steady participation at the start of the registration period, which runs until Jan. 16.

The official said about 3,400 children are expected to enroll in early childhood education in the new academic year, adding that the overall supply of school places is sufficient to meet demand. She stressed that parents should feel reassured about availability, even as demographic trends continue to affect student numbers.

Admission interviews at schools are scheduled to take place between March 1 and 25.

Ka acknowledged that some schools have clustered interview dates, which may create scheduling conflicts for families applying to multiple institutions. She said the bureau would make efforts to help coordinate alternative interview times where possible, while encouraging parents to review school arrangements carefully and plan ahead before registering.

Addressing the challenge of a declining birth rate, Ka said DSEDJ has maintained close communication with schools to coordinate enrollment and class arrangements based on actual demand. Although the number of children and classes has decreased, she noted that the situation remains within a reasonable range.

The official pledged that the bureau will continue to implement short-, medium-, and long-term policies, including studies on changes in the school-age population.