Kiev - Post Report Question and Answers
Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Great preschool options, both local and international, and generally much cheaper than the States. Our son went to a local (Ukrainian and Russian language) school that was open to foreigners for $500 a month. It's open 8-8 and serves a bunch of meals (he likes borshch, luckily!) While it's somewhat institutional in that the kids are all expected to behave and do the same things (and nap until they are six!), we found the teachers were loving and he got a lot out of it. There was a big emphasis on performing (including constant calls for insane costumes for plays). And his language skills are now amazing. We would definitely do it again. One thing to note is that in recent years there has ceased to be a purely Russian-speaking preschool, so those families looking for that have been disappointed. All of them speak at least a little Ukrainian, even though the kids are more likely to speak Russian at home. - May 2017
Yes. Again, don't have kids, but there seem to be a variety of options. - Nov 2016
I have known people who sent their kids to local preschools so they could learn Russian (or because they already know Russian). Some use nannies. - Nov 2015
I don't have a preschooler, but people seem happy. Ask CLO for a list. - Jun 2015
P'tit Cref is excellent. There is also a (very loosely defined) Montessori School in the center of town. Many families are happy there. - Apr 2014
There is always one close by, but it may only be is Russian/Ukrainian. - Apr 2013
Only in Russian/Ukrainian. - Feb 2013
Again, no personal experience, but most people had nannies and adored them. I knew some people who considered extending just to keep the nanny! - Jul 2012
Most people seem to go with nannies ($5-6/hr)but there is a Montessori and several Ukrainian ran preschools that get good reviews. - Aug 2009
No experience, but I hear it can be quite difficult for some and easy for others. - Apr 2008
Widely available and inexpensive if you put your child in a Russian or Ukrainian speaking preschool. English ones are much more expensive. Nanny help is widely available and good (ours is a former preschool teacher with a university degree).That said, with the economy improving, and inflation, nannies, though affordable, are not cheap and costs are rising. - Apr 2008
