Educational Programs in Kindergartens in Armenia to Change

The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport of Armenia has presented two draft projects related to preschool education for public discussion. These proposals stem from the Law on Preschool Education and are aimed at the effective implementation of the State Educational Standards for Preschool Education.

According to a draft order from the Minister of Education, which pertains to the approval of preschool educational (main) programs, comprehensive programs are established for all age groups.

The following programs are proposed for approval:

• Main program for the senior group (ages 5-6)
• Main program for the middle group (ages 4-5)
• Main program for the junior second group (ages 3-4)
• Main program for the junior first group (ages 2-3)
• Program for the second group of early childhood care and development (for children aged 1-2)
• Program for the first group of early childhood care and development (for children aged 0-1)

The other draft presented for public discussion proposes the establishment of educational programs and services for preschool groups of different ages, particularly focused on settlements with smaller numbers of children, where such groups often emerge. The draft creates a legal basis for the operation of age-diverse groups and preschool services (including school-oriented kindergartens).

For educational services of varying durations, the following programs are proposed:

• 3.5-hour educational program (for ages 3-6, 4-6, and 5-6)
• 5-hour educational program (for ages 3-6, 4-6, and 5-6)
• 9-hour educational program (for ages 3-6 and 4-6)

These programs are designed to be free from nap times and three meals a day, focusing instead on intensive developmental and educational games. They also clearly define hygienic and physiological norms adapted to the shorter timeframe.

The objective of adopting these legal acts is to implement a coherent content policy in preschool education, which will enable the evaluation of preschool institutions' compliance with established state standards, regardless of the duration, type, and format of the programs.

The drafts have been refined based on ongoing monitoring conducted during the implementation of the State Educational Standards for Preschool Education, expert analysis, and practical observations and suggestions from educators within preschool institutions.

Stakeholder organizations, specialists, and experts can submit their opinions and suggestions on the e-draft.am platform until August 13, 2026.