Introduction. The article presents the results of a retrospective study devoted to the formation and development of the cooperation of the Herzen State University with the kindergartens of St. Petersburg, the historically established traditions of scientific and methodological support of pre-school education and current trends in the development of this direction are described. The aim of the study was to study key ideas and directions of scientific and methodological support of kindergartens in the process of integral historical development.
A comprehensive research methodology was used, including a theoretical analysis of the contents of archival materials, publications, periodicals, a retrospective method showing the process of cooperation of the Herzen State University in terms of its development dynamics and historical continuity, scientific interpretation and synthesis of specific factual materials.
The results show unique experience of the “Child’s life of the child” museum, which served as the basis for the formation of the practice of scientific and methodological support of the innovative, experimental activities of the city’s kindergartens.
Conclusion. The study makes it possible to determine the tendencies in the development of the process of scientific and methodological support of the practice of pre-school education in St. Petersburg, highlight the historically established traditions of such cooperation, identify current rends, and key directions of the development of this process.