The event set the tone for discussions regarding future transformations in the sector, bringing together representatives from government, academia, the professional community, and parents.
Olga Koludarova, Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation, outlined the primary direction of development: shifting the focus from a purely instructional component to one centered on upbringing and character building.
"The current Federal State Educational Standard for preschool education contains a significant instructional component. However, it is crucial for a child in kindergarten to receive a well-rounded development; the upbringing component must come first," she emphasized. Familiarity with culture, literature, traditions, and spiritual-moral values will form the foundation of the updated standard. For educators and methodologists, this sends a clear signal: methodological work must increasingly focus on shaping the child's personality through the lens of domestic cultural values.
In addition to updating the content of educational programs, participants discussed creating a unified environment for upbringing and introducing modern yet pedagogically sound teaching tools. Notably, the discussion was interdisciplinary in nature. Participants included Irina Pleshcheva, Head of the Department for Projects and Programs in Child and Youth Upbringing at the Presidential Administration; Zhanna Sadovnikova, Deputy President of the Russian Academy of Education; and Dmitry Morozov, Chief Pediatric Surgeon at the Ministry of Health—a lineup that underscored the inextricable link between a preschooler's physical and spiritual health.
Practitioners also shared their perspectives. Ivan Chernyshov, head of Kindergarten No. 2 in Lipetsk, shared his practical experience in implementing these new approaches at the local level. The participation of Valeria Ivleva—host of the "Moms of Pyatnitsa" segment—sparked particular interest; she articulated the modern parenting community's pressing demand for high-quality, values-based education. Alexander Milkus, host of the program "Parental Question" and the meeting's moderator, helped structure the dialogue, ensuring the discussion remained focused and open.
The Moscow discussion reaffirmed that preschool education remains a priority area for the state. Upcoming changes to the Federal State Educational Standard for Preschool Education (FGOS DO) will require educators not only to revise their methodological approaches but also to deeply reflect on their role as mentors laying the moral foundation for future citizens.
Photo: Press Service of the Ministry of Education of Russia