Ukraine: Transforming the preschool education system
In implementing the state policy on preschool education in Ukraine, educational policymakers focus on creating a modern, high-quality, accessible, and inclusive learning environment that aligns with needs of children and society as a whole.
Reforming preschool education is among the government's top priorities, as outlined in the Strategic Action Plan of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine by 2027 and the Vision for the Future of Education and Science of Ukraine. The main goal of the reform is to improve the educational content, modernise the learning environment, ensure inclusivity and bring Ukrainian preschool education closer to European standards.
The Strategic Action Plan delineates 8 key initiatives, including measures to address the challenges posed by martial law:
1. State standard of preschool education: updating the content of early childhood and preschool education in line with the EU Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care, ensuring continuity between preschool and primary education.
2. "My Fortress" initiative: equipping each preschool with a safe shelter, friendly to all participants in the educational process. According to statistical data, during the Russian full-scale invasion of Ukraine, 110 preschool institutions were destroyed and 1,196 were damaged as of June 2024.
3. Safeguarding policy: introducing a comprehensive policy to protect children from physical, psychological, and sexual abuse.
4. Transformation of the labour remuneration system: developing a new remuneration system for preschool sector employees.
5. Digitalisation of preschool education: implementing an electronic queue system in all preschools nationwide, updating material and technical infrastructure, and providing preschools with laptops and tablets to improve working conditions and communication with parents.
6. English language introduction: establishing practices for English language learning in preschool institutions.
7. "Quick start" initiative: launching a shortened training course for educators to address staffing issues in early childhood education and facilitate entry into the educator profession.
8. Alternative forms of preschool institutions: modelling effective solutions for alternative types of kindergartens and their further implementation in areas with different conditions (taking into account security situations, infrastructure damage, number of children, demographic trends, population composition, economic development, etc.).
Expected results of the preschool education reform:
For children:
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Guaranteed quality and accessible preschool education for all children, including those with special educational needs, regardless of their birthplace or residence.
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A safe, friendly, and inclusive learning environment.
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Focus on developing key competencies and cross-cutting skills necessary for success in later life.
For educators:
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Increased motivation through a competitive labour remuneration system.
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Opportunities for professional development and improvement of the educational process quality.
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Access to modern teaching methods, state-of-the-art equipment, and digital resources.
For parents:
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Confidence in entrusting their children to professionals, allowing them to return to work.
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Ability to choose from different types of institutions and new educational formats that meet their children's educational needs and capabilities.
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Reassurance that their children will be educated in a safe and inclusive environment, tailored to their individual needs.
For the country:
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Freeing up parents' time for full-time work and professional fulfilment.
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Increase economic productivity and tax revenues, thereby stimulating economic growth and improving the human capital index.
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Strengthen national resilience by developing competitive specialists.
Source: Eurydice Unit Ukraine
