9.1.1. Management Staff for Early Childhood

Early childhood and preschool education in Georgia is fully decentralised and managed by municipalities. The organisation and management structures of institutions may vary depending on local governance arrangements.

In municipalities, preschool institutions are typically managed either as independent entities or through municipal kindergarten management agencies. For example, in Tbilisi, public kindergartens are administered by a municipal agency, while in other municipalities, kindergartens may operate under unified municipal structures.

Management responsibilities are carried out by heads (directors or managers) of preschool institutions. Their duties include organisational and administrative management, ensuring compliance with national standards, and overseeing the delivery of early childhood education and care services.

Municipalities are responsible for determining qualification requirements, recruitment procedures and employment conditions for preschool management staff. An appointment may take place through open competition or direct appointment, depending on municipal regulations.

Employment conditions, including contract duration, remuneration and evaluation procedures, are defined at the local level in accordance with the Labour Code of Georgia.

9.1.2 Management Staff for School Education

In general education, school management is carried out by school principals (directors), supported by deputy directors and the Board of Trustees (Sameurveo Sabcho). The structure reflects the national commitment to participatory governance, defined under the Law of Georgia on General Education. The school Principal acts as the institution’s legal representative and is responsible for implementing the National Curriculum, managing staff, administering resources, and ensuring an inclusive and safe educational environment. The director is accountable to the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia and to the school community through the Board of Trustees, a participatory governance body.

The Board of Trustees approves key institutional documents. It elects the school principal from among candidates selected through the nationally standardised competition procedure coordinated by the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia. Members of the Board of Trustees are elected for a three-year term.

Directors are appointed for a six-year term through a nationally standardized selection procedure coordinated by MoESY. Since 2024, the competition process has comprised two stages: a computer-based examination and a structured interview conducted by a ministry-appointed commission. Successful candidates may be elected by the Board of Trustees of their chosen school. Applicants must possess Georgian citizenship, higher education, at least three years of professional experience (including one year in education), and a clean professional record. Candidates holding valid director’s certificates under Ministerial Order No. 36/N (15 February 2024) may bypass the examination stage.

Once appointed, school directors are responsible for overall pedagogical and administrative management, staff supervision, and institutional quality assurance. Directors participate in national leadership training and professional development programs that focus on strategic planning, school management, and community engagement. Their employment terms, rights, and remuneration are regulated under the same legislative framework, ensuring consistency across the education system. 

If the board fails to elect a director, MoESY may appoint an eligible candidate for the same period. School heads are evaluated as part of the broader quality assurance framework (see Chapter 10).