with a wider age-group distribution than the two other types. Size: 40 to 150 children; Municipal child-care facilities established by private individuals taking in a few children (). Size: 4 to 5 children. Pre-school classes (, literally 'kindergarten classes') established at primary schools and catering for children from the age of five to six as the first year of compulsory education (cf. US Kindergarten, English Reception). Average size: 19.7 children (1999) Admission Requirements In theory, the only admission requirement to this type of institution is age, so that the minimum age to attend a nursery is six months, kindergartens three years, integrated institutions one year, and pre-school five to six years. However, as there are more parents requesting space in the first three types of institutions than there is space, municipalities distribute places taking into consideration the following categories of children: Children with special pedagogical or social needs Children of one-parent families Children sent by another authority Children of parents working away from the home Children whose brothers or sisters are already enrolled in the institution. General Objectives The Social Service Act stipulates that pre-school facilities shall form part of the total plan for general and preventive measures for children. It is the general objective to create, in co-operation with the parents, a framework which favours the development, well-being, and independence of children. These measures must ensure children have a normal day that at the same time give them security and challenges, and where close links with adults can develop. Furthermore, according to the Act on the Folkeskole, its aim is to familiarise children with the daily routines of school life. The work of the day care centres are carried out by pedagogues rather than teachers. They are usually assisted by untrained assistants. The pedagogues tend to use a recognising approach where the child is appreciated as a human being. There is a large focus on learning social skills, motor skills, cultural norms etc. rather than traditional school work such as learning how to read and write. Leading researchers argue to that these factors are one of the reasons why Danish people are the happiest in the world. Curriculum, Subjects, Number of Hours In principle, pre-school teachers are free to choose content, working methods, didactical material, and so forth. However, a municipality may draw up an educational plan, and the boards may define the principles of the activities an institution.