The legislation does not provide for summer holidays in preschool education institutions
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With the onset of summer, residents of many Ukrainian villages and towns are faced with a problem – kindergartens are closed in the community. Parents who go to work have nowhere and no one to leave their children with.
In the Office of the Educational Ombudsman point out: suspending the work of these institutions violates the right of children to preschool education and does not take into account the needs of parents.
Kindergartens have the right to independently decide what schedule to work with. It can be full day, short stay groups, seasonal or even weekend and holiday work etc.
Legislation does not provide for summer vacations in preschool education institutions. But they can temporarily change the mode of operation or suspend activities due to repair work, as well as the need to provide annual vacations to employees.
There are communities where there is only one preschool education institution.
“If the question is about the need for employees to rest, then the head of the institution can develop a vacation schedule and agree on the issue regular vacations of employees. Also to involve temporary workers in his work.” – explained in the Office of the Educational Ombudsman.
If the kindergarten has suspended work due to renovations, it is possible to enter into an agreement on cooperation in the provision of preschool education with another community and organize a ride for the children there, and also take care of the nutrition of pets.
The Ministry of Education and Science in its letter (No. 1/4756-25 dated March 12, 2025) emphasizes that local authorities have the right to choose the safest and most profitable method of transportation, taking into account their budget.
You can take children and teachers to kindergartens and back home by various means of transport:
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by school buses (upon agreement with local authorities or military administration);
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by transport from international partners received within the framework of agreements;
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rented or hired cars/buses from private carriers;
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intercity public transport.
Transportation of preschoolers must strictly comply with traffic rules. The vehicle must be equipped with child restraint systems (car seats or boosters), which allow the child to be securely fastened with standard belts. In addition, children must be accompanied by adults on the road.
In addition, if the main kindergarten building is closed for renovation, the community can open an alternative educational space in another building. To do this, you can create a new legal entity or open a branch (structural division) of an already existing institution. For example,
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mini garden – can be located in residential and/or non-residential premises adapted for educational activities (no higher than the third floor), or in a building adapted for educational activities, equipped with a calculation of at least 3 square meters per child;
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center of pedagogical partnership – in premises, adapted structures (in the case of their use, without limitation of floor space);
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child development center – as a rule, groups for babies and young children are located on the first floor.
Such subjects must have at least one sports and playground within walking distance, access to which is restricted for outsiders when children are there.
Many people are afraid of the issue of licensing. As the Office of the Education Ombudsman said, during the martial law it is free enough submit a declaration on the conduct of economic activity through the “Diya” portal.
