The Second Cycle of Practical Mentoring for Kindergarten Teachers in Lanchkhuti Municipality

Within the framework of the Early Childhood Education component of the I2Q Project, with the support of the World Bank, efforts continue to enhance the professional development of educators and preschool teachers in collaboration with San Diego State University.

On September 29, 2025, a preparatory training session for professional development and mentoring was conducted for educators and managers from 15 kindergartens in Lanchkhuti Municipality. These training and mentoring visits aim to support municipalities while allowing experts from San Diego State University to identify existing challenges and needs. The follow-up training in Lanchkhuti was led by an expert from San Diego State University and a local trainer who is a methodologist at the center. Notably, last year, San Diego State University trained local specialists across all target municipalities for professional development to facilitate knowledge dissemination.

The lead of the Early Childhood Education component of the I2Q Project monitored the event. During discussions, kindergarten managers mentioned that after completing professional development training last year, they found it easier to prepare for the authorization process. They noted that the simulations conducted by San Diego State University were particularly helpful in real situations. So far, authorization visits have been conducted in three kindergartens in Lanchkhuti Municipality, and these will soon receive evaluations from experts.

“Child-centered approaches, the use of non-contact time, and other important topics covered in the training have significantly supported our work. Empowering parents and increasing their involvement have assisted us in the authorization process,” remarked one of the managers.

The professional development training was interactive, with educators sharing best practices. Kindergarten managers noted that following the training, they became more supportive of the educators, which made the educational process more dynamic. This shift led to increased self-reflection among educators, positively impacting students’ well-being and holistic skill development.

The training helped educators adapt to children’s needs, gain parents’ unconditional trust, and ensure family and community involvement in the learning process. “We focused heavily on the environment and implementing the knowledge we gained highlighted the importance of creating a well-organized and comfortable setting for a child’s upbringing and development,” educators explained. “I changed my work environment four times until I achieved one that served the best interests of the children. Observation and reflection are essential for children’s development,” said a kindergarten teacher from Lanchkhuti Municipality.

It is worth mentioning that last year, the educators who participated in the training shared their acquired knowledge and experiences with colleagues, engaging in discussions, debates, and making improvements that enhanced the kindergarten environment. The training illustrated how to evolve, meet modern challenges, and maintain a child-centered focus. Educators recognized the importance of knowledge sharing, which fostered teamwork and the development of positive relationships.

To ensure the practical application of the knowledge gained, an expert from San Diego State University and a local trainer will provide on-site mentoring to educational staff in the 15 kindergartens within Lanchkhuti Municipality for 10 days. These mentoring visits will take place in a natural setting, and unlike last year, the duration of the visits has been extended for greater effectiveness.

During the mentoring visits, special attention will be given to how educators apply child-centered approaches and the updated curriculum in their daily practices.

A conference summarizing the activities conducted under the early childhood and preschool education component is scheduled for November 11, 2025. At this conference, the municipalities involved in the pilot program will present the knowledge and experiences they have gained. The event will summarize the training and mentoring sessions, showcase successful practices, and identify existing challenges and needs within the pilot municipalities.