(1) This Law regulates preschool care and education of the preschool children (hereinafter referred to as preschool education) as a part of the system of education and children care.

(2) Preschool education consists of educational programs, health protection, nourishing and social care that is provided in the kindergartens in accordance with this Law.

(3) Kindergartens are public institutions where the preschool educational work is carried out as a public service.

Educational work is conducted in kindergartens in Croatian language and Latin script.

Preschool education of children belonging to ethnic and national communities or minorities is implemented in accordance with this Law and provisions that regulate the rights of members of ethnic and national communities or minorities.

Preschool education is implemented on the basis of State pedagogical and educational standard that is brought by the Sabor of Republic of Croatia on the proposal of the Government of Republic of Croatia.

State pedagogical standard of preschool care and education regulates:

8. preschool care and education of children belonging to ethnic and national communities or minorities,

(1) In kindergartens shall be completed:

- programs for the children belonging to ethnic or national communities or minorities,

(1) Financing of public programs in the field of preschool education shall be secured from the State budget.

(2) In accordance with paragraph 1. of this Article, public needs are considered programs of care and education:

- for children of preschool ages belonging to ethnic and national communities or minorities,

Class: 601-01/96-01/01
Zagreb, 17 January 1997.

Source: Unofficial translation