Strategy for Development of Preschool Education of Ukraine: From Start to Finish (Historical Vector – 1991-2022)

The goal. To characterize the stages of formation, transformation, reform and modernization of preschool education during the period of independence of our state (1991-2022).

Methods. Theoretical methods such as analysis, synthesis, systematization and generalization of the scientific source base are used in the research.

Results. The article positions the strategy for the development of preschool education in Ukraine during the years of its independence from 1991 to 2022 based on the results of the analysis of state and program-methodical documents on preschool education. In particular, from the start of the state national program “Education of Ukraine of the 21^st century” (1991) – to the successive stages of its development during the 32 years of the existence of the Ukrainian state. “Education of Ukraine of the 21^st century” was the first state national program which initiated the reform of the preschool education system of Ukraine. Until 1990 there were unique requirements for the content of preschool education of Ukraine like for other Soviet republics dictated by Moscow. For the first time in the content of the specified program, preschool education was recognized as the primary, initial link of the general education system of Ukraine, and kindergartens were renamed as preschool education institutions. The task of developing the basic component of preschool education and criteria for measuring the quality of preschool education was defined.

Conclusions. Scientific and methodical achievements in the preschool education system of Ukraine are characterized. An analysis of three variants of the state standards of preschool education (SSPE) was carried out. The content of educational programs for PEI was noted. The views of the scientist regarding the implementation of the competence approach in the practice of preschool education are positioned. Further strategic directions for the modernization of preschool education are outlined.