Katerina N. Polivanova

The relevance of the article’s topic. In modern education, more and more attention is paid to meta-subject results, such as well-being, socio-emotional development, agency (independence and initiative), etc. The article discusses the growing importance of one of these meta-subject results of preschool education - children’s independence, provides examples of changes in international discourse, recognition of the importance of well-being, social-emotional skills, autonomy and agency (independence and initiative). In addition, modern studies of environmental factors (family and educational conditions) of the formation of independence are described. The problem of the uncertainty of the terms used and the need for their further definition is posed.

The aim of the study was to identify and describe the practices of developing independence in preschool educational institutions in Moscow and Krasnoyarsk and to describe the image of independence that is realized in these practices.

Description of the research progress. As part of the work, a qualitative study and 14 thematic interviews with leaders and teachers of preschool educational organizations in two million-plus cities of the Russian Federation were conducted. To develop the interview guide, materials provided by teachers working in line with Montessori ideas were used. The aim of the study was to identify the attitude of teachers to new guidelines for the development of preschool education, as well as their ideas about the possibility of developing the independence of pupils and success in this activity.

The results of the study. The analysis of teachers’ answers showed that independence should be considered in three areas – everyday life, play and productive activity. Manifestations of independence may be different. Independence is associated with the child’s interest in the activities he performs, much attention is paid to the child’s ability to complete t the job he started, which in the broader context of independence seems controversial.

The most difficult for teachers was the description of the practices of developing independence adopted in their kindergarten: teachers either found it difficult to describe them clearly, or, on the contrary, called all children’s activities. It was practically impossible to identify signs of success of pedagogical efforts to develop independence.

Conclusion. The data obtained indicate a general positive attitude to the need for the development of children’s independence, however, they also indicate difficulties in implementing this task. Thus, it was found that teachers see an obstacle in the development of independence in the insecurity of providing preschool children with freedom of action. In addition, it can be argued that the construct “independence” does not have a clear definition, and teachers’ ideas reflect this uncertainty. We have also revealed the absence of recognized, accepted methods of developing independence, teachers find it difficult to evaluate their work, to make judgments about the effectiveness of one or another activity aimed at increasing the level of independence.

The relevance of the topic of the article. Modern parents of preschoolers are active participants in the educational process. Their satisfaction is an important criterion for assessing the quality of education. Studying their opinion is an effective tool for systematic improving the quality of preschool educational institutions.

The aim of the study. Identification and description of the reasons for the dissatisfaction of parents of Moscow preschool institutions. Methodology: thematic semi-structured interviews.

Description of the research progress. The sample consisted of 20 mothers of children aged 3 to 7 attending kindergartens of various types and forms of institutions in Moscow. Parents were asked to tell about the choice of kindergarten, subject-spatial environment, daily routine, supervision and care of children, interaction between teachers, children and parents, types of activity, development of speech, thinking and educational program. The spontaneously mentioned causes of dissatisfaction were thoroughly investigated. The thematic framework for the questions was the ECERS international scale and works devoted to identifying the correlation of parental involvement and their level of satisfaction.

Research results. Among the main groups of reasons for dissatisfaction with preschool educational institutions, “interaction” is leading by a wide margin, implying the quality of interaction between children, educators, administration, and parents. It is the reasons for the “interaction” group that become the critical point for transferring children to another preschool. Among the main complaints are: the individuality of the child is not taken into account; tough discipline; strict, rude, unprofessional educators; the authoritarian position of the head towards parents; poor quality of feedback; relationships with peers. The group “types of children’s activity” has the potential to become as significant as “interaction”: when choosing a kindergarten, parents pay attention to the presence and variety of circles, in the private sector they are ready to take their child further for the sake of quality classes. Parents are rather satisfied with supervision, care, compliance with the temperature regime, the subject-spatial environment. The group “development of speech and literacy” stands apart: parents do not mention this topic. They are either poorly informed about the kindergarten program, or consider this aspect unimportant.

Conclusion. Satisfaction of parents as active participants in educational process is one of the important criteria for assessing the quality of preschool education, and dissatisfaction is a marker for the necessary improvements. If the administration and teachers, when assessing the quality, evaluate the group and the kindergarten as a whole, that the comfort and emotional well-being of their own child is important to parents. This means that the individual approach and personal development are at the forefront. The main attention should be paid to the quality of interaction between children, parents and the kindergarten staff and to the quality and variety of types of children’s activity. These studies of the causes of parental dissatisfaction can be useful for heads of preschool educational institutions of various forms of ownership to improve the quality of services provided and develop a marketing strategy.