Call for Public Consultations for the Project “Enhancing Inclusive Primary Education in the Republic of Serbia” – EIPE

The Ministry of Education invites institutions, organizations, and the general public to participate in Public Consultations regarding the Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF), the Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), the Environmental and Social Commitment Plan (ESCP), and the Labor Management Procedures (LMP) for the project “Enhancing Inclusive Primary Education in the Republic of Serbia” (EIPE).

The public consultation session and presentation of the respective documents will take place on December 20, 2024, starting at 12 PM, at 32 General Anri Street.

The documents will be available for public review:
– At the address 32 General Anri Street, on weekdays from 11 AM to 1 PM, within 14 days from the date of publication of this invitation;
– On the official website of the Ministry of Education.

Унапређивање инклузивног основног образовања и васпитања у Републици Србији – ИПЕИП

Inclusive Primary Education Improvement Project – IPEIP

Questions, comments, and opinions will be received orally during public consultations or in writing by delivery to the Ministry of Education, Nemanjina 22-26, Belgrade, or via email at sanja.strbac@mpn.gov.rs.

Five Trainings Developed Within the “Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care” Project Remain a Permanent Resource

As part of Component 2 of the Ministry of Education’s project “Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care,” the Support Program for the Implementation and Dissemination of the Preschool Curriculum Framework (PCF) – Years of Ascent was implemented. This program encompassed all public preschool institutions and included trainings, mentoring support, and the development of a series of manuals and guides.

Various trainings were delivered under Component 2 of the Project, including: implementation of the Years of Ascent curriculum framework; training for professional associates as agents of change; training to prepare for the licensing exam for directors; digital competence improvement; self-evaluation; inclusive practice development; and connecting two levels of the education system – preschool and primary school. Over 34,000 participants were included.

To ensure sustainability of project results and continued accessibility for practitioners in both public and private preschools beyond the life of the project, five trainings developed within Component 2 were converted into non-moderated online formats:

Trainings on Years of Ascent (3 modules):
1. Curriculum Framework Concept – Years of Ascent (2 days)
2. Developing a Real Curriculum (2 days)
3. Documentation (1 day)
Objective: To continue high-quality implementation of the curriculum and support ongoing transformation processes.

Access to training: By registering on the Learning Passport – Preschoolers platform
https://srbija.learningpassport.org/
Instructions available at: https://zuov.gov.rs/pasos-predskolci/

Once on the platform, navigate to the CONTENT CATALOG, then select the card Introduction to Trainings for the Implementation of the Years of Ascent Curriculum Framework and follow the given instructions.

Training: Support for the Development of Digital Competencies of Practitioners in Preschools
Objective: To support the development and strengthening of digital skills among educators, professional associates, collaborators, and directors in preschool institutions.

Access: Via the Digital Educators section on the National Education Portal (ZUOV website):
zuov.gov.rs/digitalni-vaspitaci

The Digital Educators page also serves as a resource repository for practitioners – offering strategic documents such as the Framework of Educators’ Digital Competences, Guidelines for the Use of Digital Technologies in Preschool Institutions, and materials supporting internal professional development and peer learning between institutions.

On the Learning Passport – Preschoolers platform, under CONTENT CATALOG, in the category “0.2. Significant Events and Projects,” all materials from the training (topics, guides, tutorials, etc.) are available as a permanent resource.

Training: Self-Evaluation of Quality in Preschool Institutions
Objective: To support practitioners in improving self-evaluation processes and institutional quality.

Access: Via the ZUOV page zuov.gov.rs/pasos/ or directly through the platform:
https://srbija.learningpassport.org/

On the Learning Passport – Preschoolers platform, additional materials developed as part of Component 2 to support self-evaluation are available: the Self-Evaluation Guide, Proposed Evaluation Tools, and Examples of Good Practices from institutions.

All trainings are accredited and have been designated as publicly beneficial programs by the Ministry of Education. As such, they are free of charge for all participants.

Because they are non-moderated and fully online, the trainings are open and available at all times. There are no deadlines for enrollment, completion, or finalization—learners progress at their own pace.

These trainings are intended for all practitioners who have not yet completed them, future employees in preschool institutions, as well as those who have already participated but would like to revisit or review specific parts together with colleagues.

Simultaneous participation by multiple practitioners from the same institution encourages knowledge sharing, collective understanding, and the use of all project-developed resources, whether or not participants have previously undergone the training.

We believe that practitioners will find meaningful ways to use these trainings as a valuable institutional resource—supporting horizontal learning, continuing the momentum of change, and enhancing the quality of work and the overall preschool education system.



On the Learning Passport – Preschoolers platform, additional materials developed as part of Component 2 to support self-evaluation are available: the Self-Evaluation Guide, Proposed Evaluation Tools, and Examples of Good Practices from institutions.

All trainings are accredited and have been designated as publicly beneficial programs by the Ministry of Education. As such, they are free of charge for all participants.

Because they are non-moderated and fully online, the trainings are open and available at all times. There are no deadlines for enrollment, completion, or finalization—learners progress at their own pace.

These trainings are intended for all practitioners who have not yet completed them, future employees in preschool institutions, as well as those who have already participated but would like to revisit or review specific parts together with colleagues.

Simultaneous participation by multiple practitioners from the same institution encourages knowledge sharing, collective understanding, and the use of all project-developed resources, whether or not participants have previously undergone the training.

We believe that practitioners will find meaningful ways to use these trainings as a valuable institutional resource—supporting horizontal learning, continuing the momentum of change, and enhancing the quality of work and the overall preschool education system.

Once on the platform, navigate to the CONTENT CATALOG, then select the card Introduction to Trainings for the Implementation of the Years of Ascent Curriculum Framework and follow the given instructions.

Training: Support for the Development of Digital Competencies of Practitioners in Preschools
Objective: To support the development and strengthening of digital skills among educators, professional associates, collaborators, and directors in preschool institutions.

Access: Via the Digital Educators section on the National Education Portal (ZUOV website):
zuov.gov.rs/digitalni-vaspitaci

The Digital Educators page also serves as a resource repository for practitioners – offering strategic documents such as the Framework of Educators’ Digital Competences, Guidelines for the Use of Digital Technologies in Preschool Institutions, and materials supporting internal professional development and peer learning between institutions.

On the Learning Passport – Preschoolers platform, under CONTENT CATALOG, in the category “0.2. Significant Events and Projects,” all materials from the training (topics, guides, tutorials, etc.) are available as a permanent resource.

Training: Self-Evaluation of Quality in Preschool Institutions
Objective: To support practitioners in improving self-evaluation processes and institutional quality.

Access: Via the ZUOV page zuov.gov.rs/pasos/ or directly through the platform:
https://srbija.learningpassport.org/

On the Learning Passport – Preschoolers platform, additional materials developed as part of Component 2 to support self-evaluation are available: the Self-Evaluation Guide, Proposed Evaluation Tools, and Examples of Good Practices from institutions.

All trainings are accredited and have been designated as publicly beneficial programs by the Ministry of Education. As such, they are free of charge for all participants.

Because they are non-moderated and fully online, the trainings are open and available at all times. There are no deadlines for enrollment, completion, or finalization—learners progress at their own pace.

These trainings are intended for all practitioners who have not yet completed them, future employees in preschool institutions, as well as those who have already participated but would like to revisit or review specific parts together with colleagues.

Simultaneous participation by multiple practitioners from the same institution encourages knowledge sharing, collective understanding, and the use of all project-developed resources, whether or not participants have previously undergone the training.

We believe that practitioners will find meaningful ways to use these trainings as a valuable institutional resource—supporting horizontal learning, continuing the momentum of change, and enhancing the quality of work and the overall preschool education system.

More photos here.

Adapted Satellite Classroom in the Village of Podgorac at the “Naša radost” Preschool Institution in Boljevac

As part of the Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care project, the Ministry of Education has completed the adaptation of the satellite classroom in the village of Podgorac, part of the “Naša radost” preschool institution in Boljevac. The works included a full renovation of the classroom, replacement of windows and doors, installation of new flooring, updated electrical wiring and lighting, as well as the complete reconstruction of two restrooms. The total value of the completed works exceeded 3,800,000 dinars.

Play and time spent in peer communities from the earliest days are essential for the proper growth and development of every child. Through this project, we have created a safe and stimulating environment for learning and care for 25 young children, along with improved conditions for quality teaching and development of a real-life curriculum.

Before starting the works.

During the construction works.

After the completion of works.

You can view the before and after photos here.

Schools and Preschools That Exemplify Good Practice Presented at This Year’s Education Fair

For many years, the Ministry of Education has been the patron of the Education and Teaching Tools Fair, which this year is being held from October 19 to 27, 2024.

At this year’s Education Fair, organized in parallel with the Book Fair, the Ministry of Education’s booth—under the slogan “Win with Knowledge”—will showcase educational institutions that serve as examples of good practice, with students and teachers who have achieved notable results.

This year’s focus is on successes, knowledge, and skills gained within the educational system. In addition to a creative musical and artistic program performed by students, the program includes a series of workshops, trainings, presentations of good practice examples, and discussions for teachers, students, and their parents.

The aim of the Ministry of Education’s program at the Fair is to highlight the diversity of the education system and the activities conducted in preschools, primary and secondary schools, as well as to express due recognition and gratitude to some of the best institutions within the system.

The Education and Teaching Tools Fair will be officially opened on Sunday, October 20, at 12:00 PM by Minister of Education Prof. Dr. Slavica Đukić Dejanović.

On the first day of the Fair, Sunday, October 20, starting at 10:00 AM, preschool institutions from various parts of Serbia will present their methods of learning through play, the use of digital technologies to encourage children’s exploration, and will host interactive workshops for both children and adults at the Ministry’s booth.

Activities will be presented by preschoolers and educators from the institutions “Đulići” from Zaječar and “Včielka” from Bački Petrovac. Interactive workshops will be held by “Naša radost” from Smederevo, “Jelica Obradović” from Mladenovac, and “Čukarica” from Belgrade.

For more photos click here.

ALL PRESCHOOL INSTITUTIONS ARE PROVIDED WITH SUPPORT IN THE SELF – EVALUATION PROCESS

Self-evaluation teams of all public preschool institutions in Serbia received support during the entire self-evaluation process, in the period September 2022 – May 2023.

Within the project “Inclusive Preschool Education and Care” implemented by the Ministry of Education, (MOE) with the support of the World Bank, as part of the goal of Improving the process of self-evaluation in preschool institutions (PI), support is provided for strengthening the competencies of practitioners who are recognized as key actors in the process changes in practice by the starting points of the program conception of preschool education and education (PVO) “Godine uzleta”. To that end, the Project provided support:

• prepared resources for self-evaluation of the work of preschool institutions (proposed instruments – checklists, questionnaires, questions for focus groups, proposed questions for consultation with children);

• prepared Guide Self – evaluation in preschool institutions – Guide for employees in preschool institutions (printed and distributed to all public PIs in a circulation of 10,600 copies);

• realized one-day training for self-evaluation teams of public PIs (2022);

• created an electronic version of the instruments and MS Forms applications (on the website of ZUOVa), which facilitates the self-evaluation teams and significantly shortens the data processing process;

• training for around 100 educational advisors from all school administrations in the territory of the Republic of Serbia was carried out to empower them to provide support to practitioners in PI through the new program concept.

• mentoring support for self-evaluation teams of all public preschool institutions throughout the entire cycle of self-evaluation during the 2022/23 working years;

• the creation of a database with examples of good practices in self-evaluation is underway, which will be posted on the Project’s website after preparation.

In the period from September 2022 to May 2023, 30 female mentors engaged and trained within the Project provided support to PI in the self-evaluation process, which took place by the revised concept of self-evaluation presented in the Guide and based on the model of mentoring support developed as part of the Project.

During this process, the mentors held three live meetings and two online meetings with the self-evaluation teams from PI. Also, during the self-evaluation process, the mentors had continuous communication with the institutions during which they gave the practitioners from the teams answers to the questions regarding the challenges they encountered in the self-evaluation process.

 At the beginning of June, reports from all public PIs on the mentoring support provided in the self-evaluation process were collected and forwarded to the expert team, which is in the process of creating a summary report on providing support in the self-evaluation process for all public PIs in Serbia.

In the same period, examples of good practice were identified. About ten examples are in the stage of final revision, after which they will be posted on the Project website https://ecec.mpn.gov.rs/

You can see the photos here.