Requirements for appointment
Early Childhood Education and Care
According to the Law of Ukraine on Early Childhood Education (закон України ‘Про дошкільну освіту’), the director (head) of an early childhood education institution (ECEI) is responsible for the overall management of the institution, represents it externally, manages property and financial resources, and ensures financial discipline and the maintenance of the material and technical base. Appointment and dismissal are carried out by the founding body (or an authorised authority) through a fixed-term contract. Mandatory requirements include a higher pedagogical degree (specialist or master’s level) and at least three years of pedagogical or research-teaching experience (this requirement does not apply to private institutions). The head must be familiar with the relevant regulatory framework, the State Standard for Early Childhood Education, curricula, principles of management and financial-economic activities, as well as the fundamentals of pedagogy, psychology, child physiology, sanitation and hygiene.
General Secondary Education
According to the Law of Ukraine on Complete General Secondary Education (закон України ‘Про повну загальну середню освіту’), the head of a general secondary education institution (GSEI) is responsible for strategic development, planning and organisation of institutional activities, and the management of property and funds within the limits of their powers and the fixed-term employment contract. Heads of state and municipal institutions are appointed through an open competitive procedure, upon completion of which a labour contract is concluded. A newly appointed head of a GSEI (except in private institutions) must complete at least 90 hours of in-service training in educational management within the first year of appointment. Candidates must hold a higher pedagogical degree (specialist or master’s level) and have at least three years of pedagogical or research-teaching experience. In private institutions, the founder determines the appointment procedure. Heads must be knowledgeable about education and labour legislation, the state language, pedagogy, psychology, child physiology, school hygiene, financial and administrative management, public engagement, occupational safety and fire safety.
Vocational Education and Training
According to the Law of Ukraine on Vocational Education (закон України ‘Про професійну освіту’), the head of a state or municipal vocational education institution is appointed through an open competitive procedure. This includes an assessment of knowledge of legislation, a written situational task, a public presentation of an institutional development plan, and questions from the selection committee.
Candidates for the position must meet the following requirements: a higher education degree (at least at master’s or specialist level) and at least three years of experience in managerial positions in education institutions or relevant organisations, or professional experience in the field.
In private or corporate vocational education and training (VET) institutions, the founding body defines appointment procedures.
Candidates must possess knowledge of current education and labour legislation, the organisation of teaching, learning and training processes, pedagogy, psychology, child physiology, internal labour regulations, occupational health and safety, and fire safety.
Professional Pre-Higher Education
The founder or an authorised body appoints the head (director) of a professional pre-higher education (PPHE) institution via an open competitive selection, in line with the Law of Ukraine on Professional Pre-Higher Education’ (закон України ‘Про фахову передвищу освіту’).
Key requirements for candidates include: Ukrainian citizenship, a higher education degree at master’s or specialist level, at least five years of pedagogical, research-teaching or research experience, organisational abilities, high ethical standards, and knowledge of education legislation.
The institution signs a contract with the successful candidate for a period of up to five years, with the possibility of reappointment for no more than two consecutive terms.
The head must possess knowledge of pedagogy, education management, occupational safety, finance and the regulatory framework governing education.
Conditions of service
Early Childhood Education and Care
Working Time and Leave
Labour legislation, the terms of the employment contract and internal regulations set the working time and leave entitlements of heads of ECEIs. In line with the Law of Ukraine on Leave (закон України ‘Про відпустки’), heads may take up to 56 calendar days of annual basic leave. They must also undergo regular medical examinations and maintain a valid medical record.
Remuneration
The remuneration of heads of state and municipal ECEIs is determined by legislation and the Unified Tariff Scale (Єдина тарифна сітка). The position of director of an ECEI corresponds to tariff grades 14-16. Additional allowances may be granted (e.g. for prestige, complexity or intensity of work).
Professional Development
Heads and teaching staff undergo attestation at least once every five years. Annual professional development is mandatory and may take place in various formats, including training courses, seminars, workshops, webinars and other forms. The Laws on Education and on Early Childhood Education set the main requirements.
Termination of Duties and Pensions
Dismissal occurs upon expiry of the employment contract or on other grounds provided by law. Under the Law of Ukraine ‘On Pension Provision’ (закон України ‘Про пенсійне забезпечення’), eligibility for a length-of-service pension is granted to individuals with at least 30 years of pedagogical service who have reached the age of 55.
General Secondary Education
Working Time and Leave
Labour legislation, collective agreements and internal policies define the working time and leave entitlements of heads of GSEIs. In line with the Law of Ukraine ‘On Leave’ (закон України ‘Про відпустки’), heads may take up to 56 calendar days of annual basic leave.
Remuneration
The remuneration of heads of state and municipal schools follows national legislation and the Unified Tariff Scale. The position of school director corresponds to tariff grades 15-18, while deputy heads fall within tariff grades 13-15. Heads may also receive allowances and supplements in line with national legislation and the institution’s internal regulations.
Professional Development
Heads and teaching staff undergo attestation at least once every five years. Annual professional development is mandatory. Heads of state and municipal schools must also complete a management training course of at least 90 hours within the first year of their appointment.
Termination of Duties and Pensions
Dismissal occurs upon expiry of the fixed-term contract or on grounds established by legislation. Pension conditions correspond to the general rules for pedagogical staff. Under the Law of Ukraine on Pension Provision, individuals become eligible for a length-of-service pension after completing at least 30 years of pedagogical service and reaching the age of 55.
Vocational and Professional Pre-Higher Education
Working Time and Leave
Labour legislation, the Laws on Vocational Education and on Professional Pre-Higher Education, as well as the terms of the employment contract, define the working time and leave entitlements of heads of VET and PPHE institutions. In line with the Law of Ukraine on Leave, heads of VET institutions may take up to 56 calendar days of annual basic leave (for pedagogical positions). Heads must also undergo regular medical examinations.
Remuneration
The remuneration of heads of state and municipal VET and PPHE institutions follows the Unified Tariff Scale. The position of head of a VET corresponds to tariff grades 15-18.
Professional Development
Heads of VET and PPHE institutions undergo attestation at least once every five years to confirm their suitability for the position. Annual professional development is mandatory and may take place in formal, non-formal or informal formats, including courses, training sessions, seminars, webinars and placements. The Laws on Education, on Vocational Education and on Professional Pre-Higher Education set the main requirements.
Termination of Duties and Pension Provision
Heads work under fixed-term employment contracts. Their employment ends when the contract expires or on other grounds set by labour legislation. Ukrainian legislation does not establish special pension arrangements for these categories of staff. Pension provision follows the general rules: retirement at the age of 60 with the required insurance record.