From "Education" to "Upbringing": A Philosophical Shift in the Standard
The central element of the reform will be the upd ate of the Federal State Educational Standard for Preschool Education (FSES DO). The new version will shift the emphasis toward developing basic moral values, patriotism, respect for cultural traditions, and social responsibility in children. This is a fundamental step: while the current standard emphasized cognitive development, the updated version will return the focus of pedagogy to the values that have historically formed the foundation of the Russian educational system—fr om the works of Ushinsky to the practices of Makarenko.Infrastructure to Meet the Challenges of the Time
Particular attention will be paid to the creation of a unified methodology for the design of spaces in kindergartens. The Ministry of Education will develop recommendations on modern design, safety, and, crucially, inclusiveness. Today, there are over 8,000 inclusive preschools in Russia (over 20% of the total), but many of them lack an adapted environment for children with disabilities. The new standards aim to address this imbalance by making preschool spaces truly accessible to all.Challenges that cannot be ignored
The reform is being launched at a challenging demographic time. According to Rosstat, by the end of 2024, the preschool education system will face a shortage of 40,000 teachers, and the workforce is aging, with fewer and fewer young specialists available. At the same time, regions are already experiencing a demographic trough: the decline in birth rates in the late 1990s and 2010s has led to a decline in the number of preschoolers, and some municipalities have already begun closing groups and entire preschools.Moreover, for the period 2019–2024, As part of the national projects "Education" and "Demography," 1,685 new kindergartens were built in Russia, eliminating waiting lists for children aged 3 to 7 in most regions. The goal now is not just to ensure accessibility, but to improve the quality of a child's preschool experience.
Practical Implementation
A special organizing committee will be created to coordinate the events of the Year of Preschool Education, including experts, regional representatives, and public organizations. The work plan will be practice-oriented, ranging from the implementation of moral education methods to training teachers to work in an inclusive environment. A separate se t of initiatives will focus on personnel support—a law prohibiting excessive reporting requirements from educators came into force in 2025, which should reduce the administrative burden.Vision 2030
The 2026 initiative is integrated into a broader strategy—the Concept for the Development of Preschool Education to 2030, presented by the Ministry of Education to the State Duma in 2023. The document defines preschool as the foundation of a child's entire educational trajectory, wh ere not only cognitive skills but also emotional intelligence, social competence, and core personal values are shaped.The Year of Preschool Education is not just a symbolic date, but an opportunity to rethink the role of kindergarten in modern Russia: from a "storage facility" to a space wh ere the future of the country's citizens is shaped.