Component 1

Improving Quality of and Access to Early Childhood Education

The aim of the component is developing of the quality of early childhood and preschool education and expanding access. Works are being carried out in several main directions.

The results of the diagnostic study carried out under the component, are basis of the works for improving ECE institutions management system and enhancing the quality of programs across the country. The works include facilitating the implementation of the Quality Assurance System for early childhood and preschool education institutions, developing a merit-based remuneration model for caregivers ad caregiver-pedagogues and their gradual complexity professional development scheme, establishing a ECE data reporting system which will support effective intersectoral cooperation and enforcement of the evidence-based decision-making process among various agencies defined by the current legislation, development of early childhood and school readiness programs, and others.

In order to implement the new concept developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth, which involves connecting school readiness and primary education, the appropriate infrastructure for school readiness groups is being arranged in 150 schools. Professional development of educational personnel, equipping the groups with necessary furniture, educational resources and technology will be provided by the I2Q project.

To achieve the milestones set within the framework of the component and to effectively implement the activities stipulated by the contract, coordinated collaboration with the mayors of local municipalities, educational resource centers, unions of early childhood and preschool education institutions of local municipalities and experts of the field is ensured.

San Diego State University leads the coordination and execution of the tasks stipulated in the component.