SOCIO-PEDAGOGICAL NECESSITY OF DEVELOPING PROFESSIONAL INTERESTS IN OLDER PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

This article examines the socio-pedagogical necessity of developing professional interests in older preschool children. The study is grounded in the legal and pedagogical requirements of the preschool education system of Uzbekistan and considers early career guidance as an important component of children's socialization, labor education, and preparation for school. The research analyzes normative documents, pedagogical literature, and practical conditions that influence the formation of children's initial ideas about professions. Particular attention is paid to the role of the developmental environment, educator competence, family cooperation, play activities, practical tasks, communication, and digital technologies. The results show that the formation of professional interest at preschool age is not a premature professional choice, but a purposeful process of introducing children to the social value of labor, responsibility, cooperation, creativity, and respect for different occupations. The article argues that career-related education should be integrated into preschool practice through systematic, age-appropriate, and interactive methods. It concludes that the development of professional interest in older preschool children contributes to personal development, educational quality, and the long-term formation of future human resources.