Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (MoESCS) has published two draft regulations for public consultation as part of the implementation of the country’s Law on Preschool Education. The proposals are designed to support the effective introduction of the State Educational Standard for Preschool Education and establish a more consistent national framework.
One of the draft orders, prepared by the Minister of Education, would approve comprehensive preschool education programs for all age groups, including:
Senior Group (ages 5–6)
Middle Group (ages 4–5)
Second Junior Group (ages 3–4)
First Junior Group (ages 2–3)
Early Childhood Second Group (care and development for children 1–2 years old)
Early Childhood First Group (care and development for children 0–1 year old)
The second draft focuses on mixed-age preschool groups and preschool services in communities with smaller child populations, where combining age groups is often necessary. The proposal would establish the legal framework for operating mixed-age groups and various preschool services, including school-based preschool programs.
The ministry also proposes introducing educational programs with different daily durations:
3.5-hour program for children aged 3–6, 4–6, and 5–6
5-hour program for children aged 3–6, 4–6, and 5–6
9-hour program for children aged 3–6 and 4–6
According to the ministry, these shorter programs exclude nap time and three daily meals, instead placing greater emphasis on educational activities, developmental learning, and structured play. They also include updated hygiene and physiological standards tailored to the shorter schedules.
The proposed legal changes aim to establish a uniform national policy for preschool education, making it possible to evaluate whether preschool institutions comply with state educational standards regardless of program duration, type, or delivery model.
The ministry noted that the drafts were prepared following monitoring of the implementation of the preschool education standards, expert analysis, and practical recommendations submitted by preschool educators.
Stakeholders, education professionals, and experts can submit comments and suggestions through the e-draft.am public consultation platform until August 13, 2026.
