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 SEPARATE CLASSROOM IN THE VILLAGE OF PODGORAC IN THE PRESCHOOL INSTITUTION “NAŠA RADOST” IN BOLJEVAC

The Ministry of Education, within the project “Inclusive Preschool Education”, has completed the adaptation of the space within the “Ivo Lola Ribar” Primary School in Veliko Gradište, as part of the building in the regional department in the village of Požeženo. This space was previously a teacher’s apartment, and for several years the space had no purpose. The space was adapted with the aim of housing a preschool group in the village of Požeženo. The works, worth over 3 million dinars, included the complete adaptation of the space of the former apartment (a room, a hallway, a bathroom, another smaller room, and an external staircase or entrance to the building). Some redundant walls were demolished, The rest were completely renovated, the ceilings were lowered, new floors were installed, the bathroom was completely renovated and the sanitary
units were installed, the entrance to the building was renovated, and the electrical installation.

All this was done to create a safe and stimulating environment for preschool children. Playing and spending time with peers from the earliest days are very important for the proper growth and development of every child. Through the implementation of this project, we have created an adequate environment for children to learn and spend time. The group is planned to accommodate about 20 children aged 3 to school age, who live in this village.
In the new space, children will have the conditions for quality care as well as for developing a realistic program in accordance with the Program Foundations.

During the works, the municipality of Veliko Gradiste decided to co-finance the project and allocated additional funds for the adaptation of the adjacent classroom for lower-grade children, which enabled the renovation of a practically complete building and the provision of high-quality and safe space for children.

Photos before the reconstruction:

Photos during the work:

Photos after the work is completed:

You can see photos before, during and after the adaptation 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.

EXPERT CONSULTATION OF DEANS AND DIRECTORS OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS EDUCATING TEACHERS FOR WORK IN PRESCHOOL INSTITUTIONS HELD

On October 31, 2024, the Minister of Education, Prof. Dr. Slavica Đukić Dejanović, addressed the participants of the Expert Consultation of Deans and Directors of Higher Education Institutions Educating TEACHERS for Work in Preschool Institutions and stated that the activities of the Ministry, as well as partner institutions, institutions and organizations dealing with preschool education, are aimed at connecting and cooperating, which will contribute to improving the quality of preschool education.

“In the previous period, we initiated activities to improve the initial education of preschool teachers, especially in segments related to the implementation of professional practice, and we also worked on harmonizing study programs in accordance with the Standards of Competence for the Preschool Teacher Profession and its Professional Development,” said the Minister.

Đukić Dejanović added that in addition, an analysis of study programs was carried out on key subjects of study programs that educate preschool teachers to work in preschool institutions.

“Proposals have been prepared for improving the Standards for Accreditation of Study Programs for the Education of Preschool Teachers. These proposals have been finalized with members of the National Body for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education and the Commission for Accreditation and Quality Assurance. We expect that higher education institutions that educate preschool teachers will implement the recommendations of the Ministry in the next accreditation process, because in accordance with the Action Plan for the Education Strategy, it is planned that 28 accredited study programs for the education of teachers and preschool teachers will be amended or re-accredited according to the revised standards for the accreditation of study programs by 2026,” said the Minister.

She emphasized that significant changes have begun and that it is important that all relevant participants share the same values ​​and vision for the further development of the preschool education system, which is a prerequisite for the sustainability of changes and solving challenges from which we have the opportunity to learn, change, cooperate, research and act in the interest of preschool education.

In addition to representatives of the Ministry of Education, the National Body for Accreditation and Quality Assurance in Higher Education and the Commission for Accreditation and Quality Assurance, the Institute for Quality Assessment of Education and the Institute for the Improvement of Education, the expert consultation brought together around 100 participants from public universities and faculties that educate educators, representatives of preschool institutions, professional associations in preschool and primary education.

The Ministry of Education, within the framework of the Inclusive Preschool Education project, with financial support from the World Bank, provides support for the improvement of initial teacher education as part of the reform processes in the preschool education system initiated by the adoption of the Standards of Competencies for the Preschool Education Profession and the adoption of the Foundations of the Preschool Education Program “Godine uzleta”.

You can view the photos here.

You can view the report from the conference here.