Supporting smooth and inclusive transitions from preschool to

Supporting smooth and inclusive transitions from preschool to primary school Susanna Tadevosyan NGO Bridge of Hope Armenia Early childhood and pre-school programmes February 20, 2020

Background of the project Submission to CRPD Committee’s Day of General Discussion on Article 24 in 2015 Smooth transition as mechanism for better inclusion “Education transition for children with disabilities in Armenia” research in 2015. Findings: Issues of inclusion and equity in preschool education and smooth transition.

1. Inclusive learning and smooth transition to primary school. Teachers and parents worked collaboratively to support smooth transition to primary schools. Outcomes 234 preschool and primary school teachers and 145 parents trained and capacitated. Transition guidance for smooth transition from preschool to primary school developed.

2: Teacher pre-education courses meet inclusive pedagogy standards. 13 courses revised and apply inclusive pedagogy principles and smooth transition strategies from university based course to classroom action. Outcomes 13 professors from the chair of Preschool Education of the university trained in the philosophy and key principles of inclusive pedagogy. 13 professors of the university trained in strategies supporting child’s smooth and positive transition to primary school.

The innovative aspect of the project At local level: • Equal access to inclusive preschool education and school-to-school transition. At National Level: • inclusive pedagogy and school-to-school transition embedded in preschool teachers initial education courses;

Impact of the project University revised courses are approved and are being delivered to students of preschool education department of the university. Impact Inclusive and childcentered teaching learning practices in 23 kindergartens. Teachers and parents and 5 -6 years old children report on their smooth and positive transition and full inclusion in primary schools.

I go to school - Gor’s story “…the most important achievement for us is the sense of belonging that my son experience at school”, - Gor’s mother

Financing, sustainability, challenges Financing Sustainability Challenges 1 2 3 OSF ECP: from 2016 to 2019 totaled € 213, 000. BOH: € 70, 000. • Smooth transition program is part of preschool education curricula. • Inclusive preschool education system is advanced by the law about preschool education. • Still existing stereotypes and mindset. • Dominance of medical model. • Poor budget allocated to preschool education

Next Steps Continue contribution to making possible inclusive access to preschool and a smooth transition to primary school for every child in Armenia. . “Guide to Support Smooth Transition from Preschool Institutions to Primary School, ” will further used to assist in its replication in other regions.

CONTACT THANK YOU! Phone: +37491 40 52 19 Email: info@bridgeofhope. am Website: www. bridgeofhope. am 0009 YEREVAN, RA NGO BRIDGE OF HOPE ADDRESS KORYUN 19 -A