At the initiative of the RA Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, on December 12, 2025, a Conference entitled “SAFE AND SECURE KINDERGARTEN” was held at Yerevan State University, which was implemented within the framework of the “YEAR OF A SAFE AND SECURE EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT.”
The RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan, Deputy Minister Araksia Svajyan, UNICEF Representative Christine Weigand, Director of the Republican Pedagogical-Psychological Center Lilit Mnatsakanyan, and other responsible officials in the field of education, along with 700 representatives of preschool educational institutions, participated in the Conference.
The aim of the Conference was to bring together the reforms being implemented in the field of preschool education, to discuss existing challenges and the effectiveness of steps aimed at addressing them, emphasizing the involvement of the pedagogical community in these processes, as well as the strengthening of cooperation between institutions.
The Conference launched with an expo featuring developmental games, didactic materials, methodological guides, and other resources designed for working with preschool children.
Welcoming the attendees, Zhanna Andreasyan emphasized the role of preschool education in children’s lives, highlighted the need to ensure access to preschool education throughout the Republic by 2030, and outlined the activities required to be implemented in order to reach this goal. In this context, the logic of developing effective solutions to emerging challenges in the education sector was also considered, which enables the early identification of children’s educational and developmental needs, particularly the need for special conditions, and the timely implementation of appropriate measures.
Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Araksia Svajyan delivered a report entitled “TOWARDS A SAFE AND SECURE KINDERGARTEN.” Speaking about the programs implemented by the RA Government and the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Mrs. Svajyan emphasized safety and security as essential components of children’s daily lives, addressed the process for introducing preschool education standards and the inclusion of preschools within this framework, the activities of mentor preschool educational institutions, the curriculum, and the training of educators and assistants, assessing their effectiveness in managing children’s behaviour and confronting existing challenges, as well as ensuring professional development in this area.
The Conference proceeded with a panel discussion featuring RPPC Director Lilit Mnatsakanyan as one of the speakers. She attached importance to the inclusion of children in preschool education and the role of preschool educational institutions in this process. Addressing the issue of the psychological safety of children, L. Mnatsakanyan highlighted five key pillars:
- ✦ Well-Being and Safety of the Environment;
- ✦ Well-Being and Safety of the Educator;
- ✦ Development of Educational and Methodological Support Materials and Training Courses;
- ✦ Securing the Availability of Psychologists and Speech Therapists in Preschool Educational Institutions;
- ✦ Cooperation with Parents.
Within this framework, Mrs. Mnatsakanyan also presented the activities carried out by RPPC under the “Introduction of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)” Pilot Program implemented in 8 preschool institutions, including the system introduction procedures, measures to ensure physical accessibility, and reasonable adaptations.
During the “SAFE AND SECURE KINDERGARTEN” Conference, representatives of the Republican Pedagogical-Psychological Center also delivered reports in various workshops.
The report delivered by RPPC Deputy Director Haykuhi Adamyan, entitled “‘WHAT DOES THE MOON HAVE?’ OR STORIES THAT CREATE A SAFE AND PSYCHOLOGICALLY SAFE ENVIRONMENT,” was dedicated to ensuring psychological safety and fostering relationships in the preschool educational environment through the use of interactive approaches, games, exercises and storytelling. The participants were introduced to tools that support the development of children’s relationships and emotional well-being.
Head of the RPPC Department of Assessment Liana Margaryan presented a report entitled “HOW TO CREATE A SAFE PLAY ENVIRONMENT: A TEACHER’S TOOLKIT FOR 3-6 YEAR-OLDS.” She presented the main principles, practical approaches, and tools designed to create safe play environments for preschool children.
Within the framework of the theme “SAFE ENVIRONMENT TODAY, SAFE FUTURE TOMORROW”, Armine Avagyan, a psychologist at the RPPC Department of Pedagogical-Psychological Support, elaborated on the conditions necessary for ensuring the physical, psychological and social safety of children, emphasizing that a safe environment is the cornerstone of a child’s healthy development, self-confidence and overall well-being. The participants also addressed preventive approaches, the role of specialists and the importance of cooperation in the context of creating a safe educational and social environment, thereby contributing to the shaping of a safe future.
In her report on “MENTAL HEALTH AND PSYCHOSOCIAL SUPPORT IN THE EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM OF ARMENIA,” Methodologist-Trainer at the Training and Methodological Support Department Ofelia Grigoryan touched upon the importance of emotional stability and protection of preschool children, the awareness of the role of pedagogical workers in promoting mental health and fostering psychosocial well-being, as well as the implementation of such actions that contribute to the creation of a supportive environment.
The Conference concluded with an emphasis on the development of a preschool educational system where every child feels valued, accepted, and protected.
19.12.2025
