Ukraine is reforming early childhood education and care (ECEC) to improve access, quality, inclusion and safety. The reform also gives early childhood education institutions (ECEIs) more flexibility and supports the professional development of staff.
The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine (MESU) coordinates the reform. The Cabinet of Ministers, other central authorities, local authorities, preschool founders and education institutions take part in its implementation.
2026
First Steps Forward initiative
In August 2026, the MESU presented the current results of the First Steps Forward initiative. The initiative supports the implementation of ECEC reform at local level.
The initiative brings together the MESU, local authorities, ECEIs and international partners. It helps communities prepare local strategies for developing ECEC and improving access to services.
The planned measures include opening or upgrading 500 ECEC locations. They also cover learning spaces, shelters, digital equipment and professional development for staff.
The initiative supports staff who work with children with special educational needs (SEN). It also provides practical information and training for local education authorities and heads of ECEIs.
The MESU coordinates the initiative with the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef) and other partners. Communities implement local measures and assess their results. The published information does not specify the initiative’s total budget.
Mriia.Preschool pilot
On 1 June 2026, Ukraine launched the Mriia.Preschool pilot (Мрія.Дошкілля). The pilot covers 40 ECEIs in six regions.
The MESU and the Ministry of Digital Transformation coordinate the pilot. It includes institutions in urban, rural, remote and frontline communities.
The digital system helps staff record attendance, plan activities and prepare reports. It also gives parents information about their child’s day and improves communication with the institution.
In August 2026, the authorities reviewed the first results of the pilot. They also announced plans to extend the system to other regions.
The pilot tests the system in different local settings before national implementation. Feedback from institutions, staff and parents supports the monitoring and further development of the system.
Funding for shelters in ECEIs
In January 2026, the Government introduced state funding for shelters in ECEIs. The measure aims to protect children and staff and support in-person education during martial law.
On 19 January 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers adopted Resolution No. 71 (Порядок та умови надання субвенції). The Resolution sets the rules for the use of this subvention. Local authorities can use the funds to build, reconstruct or repair shelters in schools and ECEIs. These measures help ECEIs continue working during war risks and create a safe environment for children and staff in ECEC.
On 27 January 2026, the MESU approved the Order No. 122 (Про організаційні заходи). It establishes a new procedure for allocating subventions to the ECEIs for the equipping of shelters. The authorised commission distributes the funds on a competitive basis.
Ukraine continues to implement the Law on Early Childhood Education and Care. The Government and the MESU support local authorities, improve infrastructure and introduce new digital tools for ECEIs.
2025
New State Standard for ECEC
On 26 November 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the new State Standard for ECEC through Resolution No. 1557 (Державний стандарт дошкільної освіти). The Standard will enter into force from 1 September 2027.
The Standard defines the purpose and content of ECEC. It also sets requirements for children’s competences and expected learning outcomes.
The Standard provides a common framework for developing educational programmes. ECEC institutions and teachers may select programmes and methods that meet children’s needs and abilities.
During the transition period, education authorities and ECEC institutions will develop programmes, train staff and test new approaches. The MESU coordinates preparations for implementation.
Implementation of the Law on ECEC
On 1 January 2025, the Law on ECEC (Про дошкільну освіту) entered into force. The reform is under implementation.
The Law establishes the legal, organisational and financial framework for ECEC. It aims to improve access, inclusion, safety and the quality of education.
During 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers and the MESU adopted regulations needed to implement the Law. These acts cover the educational process, funding, staffing, safety, inclusion, governance and quality assurance.
The Law gives ECEIs greater organisational and academic autonomy. It also introduces flexible forms of education and allows different types of ECEIs.
The MESU coordinates implementation at national level. Local authorities and founders manage and finance public ECEIs within their powers.
The state and local budgets fund implementation under the responsibilities set by law. The Law does not establish a separate national budget for the whole reform.
Internal quality assurance and external institutional audits support monitoring. The responsible authorities also monitor access, inclusion, safety and compliance with the new requirements.
2024
Adoption of the Law on ECEC
On 6 June 2024, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Parliament) adopted the Law on ECEC. The Law entered into force on 1 January 2025.
The Law aims to create an accessible, inclusive and high-quality ECEC. It defines the responsibilities of central authorities, local authorities, founders and preschool institutions.
The main changes include:
- more flexible forms of ECEC;
- new types of ECEIs;
- greater autonomy for institutions and teachers;
- clearer responsibilities for ensuring local access;
- support for children with SEN;
- updated rules for staffing and staff workloads;
- stronger internal and external quality assurance;
- longer annual leave for teaching staff.
The Law allows parents to choose the form of ECEC for their child. It also allows them to support an individual educational pathway.
The state and local budgets fund implementation within the powers of the responsible authorities. The Law does not establish a separate national budget for the reform.
The MESU coordinates implementation. Local authorities, founders and ECEIs apply the requirements. Quality assurance and state supervision support monitoring.
Strategic priorities for preschool education
On 11 March 2024, the MESU presented the Strategic Plan of Actions until 2027 (Стратегічний план діяльності МОН до 2027 року). ECEC is one of its main priorities.
The Plan links the reform to the European Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care. It also addresses the challenges caused by martial law.
The Plan sets the following priorities for ECEC:
- introducing the new State Standard for ECEC;
- improving shelters and safety in ECEIs;
- protecting children from violence;
- reviewing the remuneration system for preschool staff;
- developing digital services and electronic enrolment;
- supporting staff training and entry into the profession;
- developing alternative forms of ECEC;
- preparing for the introduction of English in ECEC.
The MESU coordinates these measures with other authorities and development partners. Local authorities, founders and ECEIs implement them within their powers.
The Plan includes objectives, activities and performance indicators for monitoring progress. It does not provide a separate budget for each preschool education initiative.