Changes have been introduced to Armenia’s regulations governing preschool classes, expanding access to early childhood education for younger children.
Under the previous rules, preschool classes (pre-primary groups) were intended for children aged 5–6. Following legislative amendments adopted in 2026, preschool classes can now enroll children aged 4–6.
The new regulation is intended to make preschool education more accessible and allow more children to participate in educational programs before entering primary school.
There is also a special provision for communities where a preschool class is the only institution or service providing preschool education. In such cases, children aged 3–6 may be enrolled.
According to Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, the broader age range is particularly important in communities where existing kindergartens cannot accommodate all children or where establishing a separate kindergarten would not be practical.
Schools that already operate preschool classes, or plan to establish them, will need to ensure that their institutional documentation corresponds to the new requirements, including the necessary adjustments related to their statutes and licensing arrangements.
The legislative amendment was adopted on May 6, 2026, officially published on May 21 and entered into force on May 31, 2026.
The change is part of a broader effort to increase participation in preschool education and provide children with greater access to structured learning before they begin school.
