I thought kindergarten would be equivalent to Croatian "vrtić" too, but it seems to be the year before 1st grade. Before that there is a spectrum of programs li

I thought kindergarten would be equivalent to Croatian "vrtić" too, but it seems to be the year before 1st grade. Before that there is a spectrum of programs like daycare or preschool or playgroups which are more like what the grandparent described. I've no idea why kindergarten took on such a specific meaning in the US.