International Conference on Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) held in Batumi 

I2Q Project ECE component lead Tamar Tchkonia participated in the International Conference on Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) held in Batumi on June 2-3. The conference aimed to facilitate academic discussion and knowledge sharing on quality, access, and inclusion in early childhood education and care considering local and international practices. Also, the practitioners of the field shared their best practices to raise the awareness of society and policymakers about the importance of early childhood education and continuous professional development.

ECE Component Lead of Innovation, Inclusion and Quality Project – Georgia I2Q spoke about the current activities and upcoming steps under the project for improving the quality and access to ECE in Georgia.

The Conference brought together 150 Georgian and international participants who presented 95 papers and participated in thematic panel discussions covering diverse topics on governance, financing, access, quality, and inclusion in early childhood education and care. 

The conference sessions provided platforms for extensive discussions and included presentations by local and international specialists on topics such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; innovative and alternative approaches to early childhood education; the role of play in early childhood education; child rights in the context of early childhood education; professional competencies, pre-service training and professional development; parental engagement and support for positive parenting; inclusive practice and early intervention; and regulations and the existing national standards.

The conference is organized jointly by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sport of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara, UNICEF and Batumi State University.

The conference was attended by the Chairman of the Supreme Council of Adjara, representatives of the Parliament, central government and self-government, academia, international organizations, local civil society organizations and preschool representatives.