SANTO DOMINGO.– The Dominican Government announced this Thursday that the incorporation of 3-year-old children into the public education system, originally planned for the next school year, has been postponed until 2026.
President Luis Abinader explained that, although the initiative is a priority for his administration, the country still does not have the necessary logistical and structural conditions to implement it.
“It’s a priority for us, but we want to ensure it’s done responsibly, with prepared classrooms and trained staff,” he affirmed after holding a meeting with the Ministry of Education and other actors in the education system.
The decision comes just days before the start of the new school year and after a week of public debate about whether the system is prepared to receive that population. Education experts and representatives from the health sector had warned about the need for adequate infrastructure and specialized professionals in early childhood.
Despite this change in the educational agenda, the 2025-2026 school calendar remains unchanged. Classes will begin on August 25th and the Ministry of Education assured that there are places available for students of all levels in the country’s schools.
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Authorities called on parents and guardians to ensure the punctual attendance of their children from the first day of classes. They emphasized that an early incorporation into the classroom significantly contributes to academic performance and the comprehensive development of students.
