CITY OF ZRENJANIN – “TO A KINDERGARTEN WITH A SMILE” – SUCCESSFUL REALIZATION OF ACTIVITIES

Based on the analyses made for the draft of the “Strategy for Improving Preschool Education of the City of Zrenjanin for the Period 2018-22”, it was shown that regardless of the fact that the City of Zrenjanin and the Preschool Institution do not have a waiting list for enrolling children in kindergartens, there is still a number of children who are not included in quality preschool education programs, especially children from vulnerable social groups. By using the software support “Records of data on preschool children with the support of strategic planning of educational capacities” and with good cooperation with other institutions from the local community, data on the number of children not included in the system of preschool education were obtained which led to planning the activities for children and parents within the Inclusive Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Project – To a Kindergarten With a Smile”.

In an effort to realize the goals of the project, the City of Zrenjanin and its partners realized two promotional activities after the summer holidays and a more positive epidemiological situation. The first promotional activity was called “Athletes invite you, learn a new skill” in front of the Martial Arts House “Partizan” and the second promotional activity was called “For our dear faces, we have prepared a treasure map” in the City Garden where parents were informed about the Project and where the importance of early development, children’s learning and inclusion in the system of preschool education were promoted. The promotional activities were attended by nursery age children from 1-3 years, accompanied by parents, who were enrolled by the preschool institution in 2 new nursery groups of all-day stay in kindergartens “Zvezdica” and “Zvončica”. New nursery groups in the mentioned kindergartens have been opened in new rooms, and they have been completely adapted and equipped with the most modern didactic means and furniture from Grant’s funds.

In its offer, the preschool institution has also developed various programs that differ in form, duration and program orientation. Short programs “Park as a kindergarten” and “Postcard of my city” were realized outside the premises of the preschool institution, and in cooperation with institutions from the local community. They were realized by expert associates and associates of the preschool institution. Short programs contributed to greater availability of preschool services and provided support to families to improve parenting competencies, with special emphasis on the participation of both parents. A workshop “With Dad for Mom” was realized in the kindergarten “Zvezdica” for children who are not included in the system of preschool education. The children were active in the workshop, had the opportunity to participate in activities together with their parents, researched and learned through research in a new environment, learned through play and learned to respect diversity. Educators had the opportunity to improve their competencies through a continuous exchange of experiences with children and other adults.

Based on the comments of parents, the conclusion is that the project ” To a Kindergarten With a Smile” provides an opportunity for parents to learn and develop their competencies and they are satisfied with the new way of working in terms of offering different programs, increased coverage of children, improvement of inclusive policy and cooperation with local community.