ISSA Begins Contract with World Bank to Improve the Early Childhood Development and Education Systems in Russia

1 July 2008

In July, ISSA began implementing a contract with the World Bank to prepare recommendations on the improvement of the regional early childhood development and preschool education system in the Khanty-Mansiysk region of Russia. Working together with Elena Yudina, Professor of Early Childhood and Development and Department Head in Moscow City University of Pedagogy and Education, ISSA's Program Manager Aija Tuna will assist the Government of Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug (KMAO) in evaluating the present situation in their education system and working out measures for positioning this system as a medium for ensuring accessibility of educational services and promoting equal starting conditions for all preschool-age children.

Specifically, Ms. Tuna will assist in completion of the following tasks:

• Write an analytical review of the best international and Russian preschool education programs/approaches and their relevance to the situation in KMAO with the special focus on experiences using a child-centered approach with the Step by Step program as the best-known example in the region. The review will include documenting existing experiences in implementing change at the classroom and pre-school levels, as well as the connection between using a child-centered approach and the latest findings in pedagogy and framework documents of international organizations.
• Produce recommendations on the implementation of the child-centered Step by Step program in KMAO. General recommendations will be supplemented by supporting documents, such as:
1. A framework for implementation of suggested professional development activities to introduce child-centered methodology. This framework will include main topics to be covered, a suggested timeline/structure for the implementation, potential target audiences/participants; and ongoing communication formats, such as in-person and/or online mentoring etc;
2. ISSA Pedagogical Standards with guidelines on how to use them as: a quality base for child-centered pedagogy; a tool for raising awareness and promoting quality pedagogy; and as a tool for self-assessment and professional development;
3. Description of an introductory training program for future trainers on topics agreed upon with KMAO.

• Prepare recommendations on specific areas, such as:
1. Development of learning environments in pre-school education;
2. Support for parents and raising the quality of the home learning environment.

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