The forum brought together over 9,000 participants, including educators fr om 78 Russian regions, government officials, parents and children, students and faculty from specialized higher education institutions, and manufacturers of equipment for preschool facilities.
The forum was opened by Elfiya Dorofeeva—President of the Association for the Development of Preschool Education Quality, CEO of the publishing house Mozaika-Sintez, and Director of Innovation at the International Pedagogical Academy of Preschool Education (IPAPE)—who wished everyone a productive event.
Russian Senator Elena Pisareva expressed deep gratitude to all those who "give their hearts to children" and thanked the Ministry of Education for its systematic support of the sector.
Olga Vasilyeva, President of the Russian Academy of Education, noted the forum's impressive scale and high level of organization. She emphasized that the event is taking place during the 130th anniversary year of the educator and psychologist Lev Vygotsky:
"It is gratifying that an entire section of the forum is dedicated to Lev Semyonovich Vygotsky, for without his legacy, we could not move forward. It is vital that everything related to this most remarkable stage of human life remains grounded in science."
Olga Vasilyeva drew the audience's attention to the importance of the forum's practical work in supporting childhood as a crucial stage of human life:
"The golden foundation of a person's character is laid during childhood. Alexander Zaporozhets, a founder of the Russian school of preschool psychology, was convinced that we should not rush childhood, but rather do everything in our power to prolong the happiness of being a child. This forum—which has gathered the best representatives of the preschool education sector from every corner of the country during a year dedicated to preschool education—must clearly articulate its stance on this issue. I wish you new scientific insights and fruitful practical work."
In her welcoming remarks, Maria Sittel—Chair of the "Union of Women of Russia" (an all-Russian public-state organization) and First Deputy Chair of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation’s Commission on Family Affairs—noted that "a conversation about the guiding principles of childhood is a conversation about the future of our children and our country. It is important that we speak sincerely with one another and pursue our goals diplomatically and respectfully." Addressing government officials, she urged them to heed the views and wishes of educators and parents:
"Our children's childhood depends on those around them—caregivers, teachers, and, of course, their families. Access to education, the protection of mothers, and fair pay for educators are all vital; therefore, cooperation and collaborative effort are essential."
Alexander Reut, Director of the Department of State Policy on General and Preschool Education at the Ministry of Education of the Russian Federation, sent a welcome message to the participants, wishing them a fruitful exchange of experience and ideas:
"The forum serves as a vital platform for developing educational traditions and strengthening the sector's methodological and professional capacity. You represent one of the most humane professions—one that demands generosity of spirit, sensitivity, and a sincere desire to help every child unlock their potential."
The forum program features lectures, discussions, training sessions, and workshops, as well as specialized seminars for professionals such as music directors, speech therapists, and special education teachers. It also includes meetings with authors and a festival of folk traditions—comprising over 140 events in total, with the participation of 450 experts in pedagogy, psychology, and child development.
The forum also hosts an exhibition of educational solutions and an immersive zone titled "Preschool Childhood Ecosystem," wh ere attendees can explore new solutions and technologies. At the book exhibition, Russian publishers are showcasing publications for early childhood education specialists, children, and parents.
The forum’s opening day featured the "Upbringing Traditions of the Peoples of Russia" festival. Educators demonstrated how singing together fosters speech development and cultural memory, how dance helps express character through movement, and how learning about traditions of hospitality instills respect for family, work, and one’s native land.
The forum continues on August 9.