Mirziyoyev Orders Uzbekistan’s Preschool Education System to Be Upgraded to a New Level

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 4 February, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on proposals for the further development of Uzbekistan’s preschool education and early childhood care system.

Preschool education is a critical stage for the intellectual, social, and spiritual development of children. In recent years, large-scale reforms have been implemented to expand access, improve quality, and encourage private sector participation. As a result, preschool coverage in the country has reached 78 percent.

However, to achieve an 80 percent coverage rate, additional kindergarten places are needed. In 39 districts and cities, coverage remains below 70 percent. A pressing issue is also the workforce: 61 percent of teachers in public preschools and 76 percent of staff in private kindergartens have only secondary specialized education, highlighting the need for further professional development.

The presentation outlined measures aimed at elevating the preschool education system to a qualitatively new level.

In particular, one-year school readiness programs will be introduced as the first stage of compulsory general secondary education, ensuring comprehensive preparation for children entering school and maintaining continuity in the educational process.

A play-based learning model will be implemented, tailored to the innate abilities and interests of each child. The learning environment will be modernized based on best international practices.

Plans also include establishing a network of “Yangi Avlod” (New Generation) preschools. From 2026 to 2028, each region will see the creation of public “Yangi Avlod” kindergartens with 120 places each, as well as integrated Children’s Innovation Centers. Additional positions for directors and mentor-teachers will be introduced, with monthly allowances of 20 percent of the base salary for management and teaching staff.

Non-state educational organizations providing preschool and general secondary education will also be allowed to run one-year preparatory groups, fostering healthy competition and expanding overall coverage.

Teacher training is a key focus. Starting with the 2026–2027 academic year, programs in pedagogical universities for preschool and primary education will be updated to align with international best practices. Simultaneously, a dual-education bachelor’s program (“5+1” model) will be introduced for current teachers with secondary specialized education.

From the 2027–2028 academic year, children completing preparatory groups will receive an official electronic certificate, and the information will be included in their general secondary education diploma.

New measures to support private sector participation were also discussed. In districts and cities with coverage below 80 percent (excluding Tashkent), incentives will be provided for entrepreneurs.

Specifically, preschool institutions created under public-private partnerships on school or kindergarten land plots will be exempt from rent for up to 30 years. In addition, a subsidy equal to 50 percent of the standard per-child cost will be provided for every child in public kindergartens. This arrangement will also apply to private kindergartens established in 2024.

For new private preschools with at least 150 places in low-coverage areas, preferential loans of up to 5 billion soums with terms up to seven years will be available. Monthly teacher salaries will be reimbursed for three years according to public kindergarten standards, based on one teacher per 30 children.

These measures will also apply to private kindergartens located on the ground floors of new apartment buildings. Entrepreneurs who open private preschools with at least 150 places will receive social tax rate preferences until 1 January 2030.

The President emphasized the importance of carefully planning and gradually implementing the proposed measures, creating a solid foundation for the comprehensive development of children by improving the quality of preschool education. Responsible officials have been given the necessary instructions.