Early Child Development, Children under age 5 

Pre-school education and training is the first level of the continuing education system. At this level general educational curricula of preschool education and training ensure the continuity and succession of preschool and primary education, taking into account the principle of the unity of education and care, development and rehabilitation of children and it precedes the level of primary education.

Organizations of early childhood education – educational organizations, created to meet family demands and needs in taking care of children, including children’s harmonious development, based upon common cultural and national values, and preparation for primary stage of secondary education, all of which creates conditions needed for parents to continue their work, their studies, and their active participation in social life.

Organizations of early childhood education provide education, training, supervision, care, and rehabilitation for children aged 1 to 6 years.

Permanent early childhood education organizations are in operation at least 10 months during the year.

Organizations of early childhood education are divided into the following types: nurseries, day nurseries, kindergartens, school-kindergarten complexes, and mini-centres. In accordance with the orientation of early childhood education organizations, these organizations can also be subdivided into the following types: basic organizations of early childhood education; organizations prioritizing implementation of one or several directions of development (intellectual, artistic, physical, etc.); correctional organizations prioritizing treatment of physical and mental disabilities; supervisiory and rehabilitation organizations prioritizing hygenic, preventive and health-improving measures and procedures; and organizations with combined services.

Number of children attending permanent early childhood education organizations – number of children of early childhood age, enrolled in organizations of early childhood education at the end of the year, and attending the first grade program.

Availability of places for children attending organizations of early childhood education (children per 100 places) is determined by the ratio of the number of places in early childhood education organizations and the number of attending children.

Early Child Development, Children under age 5