This paper deals with the process of self-evaluation of early childhood and preschool education institutions. Although during their development kindergartens often organizationally resembled schools, early childhood and preschool education institutions ought to be unique "learning organizations". This change cannot be brought about only by a document but also by people who work in the institution. The contemporary understanding of the child and the institution as well as external and internal evaluation are put forward as prerequisites of quality in early childhood and preschool education institutions. The criteria of evaluation and self-evaluation should be agreed on so that the current state of quality of the institution can be determined, advantages and disadvantages noted, the practice and quality of the institution improved. There are different kinds of criteria, but all are focused on children, professionals, parents, local communities, authorities and the environment in the educational institution. Only if individuals and the institution work together towards the building of vision, companionship and continuous self-evaluation, the early childhood and preschool education institution can truly become a learning community.