The "preparatory school year" ("clasa pregătitoare") is for children aged 6–7, and since it became compulsory in 2012, it usually takes place at school. The preparatory school year is a requirement in order to enter the first grade, being part of the primary education stage, according to Article 23 of the Education law no 1/2011 ("Legea Educației Naționale nr.1/2011"). During the transition period after the new law was enacted transfers of teachers occurred in order to fill in the educational needs of this year.