Development of the Zhytomyr Early Childhood Education Methodology Competence Center (EDUHUB)

Education

Ukraine

8VS1-VM-UA-EDUCHUB25

Timeframe 01.05.2025-30.10.2026 Aktiivne

Target group Ukraina hariduseksperdid

Budget 379 285 EUR

Funders

ESTDEV

Partners

Tallinna Õpetajate Maja

Zhytomyr region is an important regional center in Ukraine, with 571 kindergartens and over 4,000 teachers. The quality of early childhood education in the region and the availability of educational materials need significant development. In March 2025, ESTDEV visited kindergarten 25 in Zhytomyr, where representatives of the local government presented the idea of creating a competence center to address critical bottlenecks in early childhood education in the region. The Methodological Center (EDUHUB) would become a regional hub for early childhood education innovation and teacher training, which could be expanded to other regions of Ukraine. The project supports network-based learning through cooperation between educational institutions and specialists to exchange knowledge and experience. The new initiative supports the sustainability of activities already started by ESTDEV in the field of early childhood education.

Project objectives

The overall goal of the project is to improve the quality of early childhood education in the Zhytomyr region by supporting the professional development of teachers and promoting STEAM and first aid education. EDUHUB creates play-based learning environments, trains teachers and develops a network of cooperation with other kindergartens and relevant institutions. The project includes changes in knowledge, attitudes and behavior, and the establishment of a new modern training center in the city of Zhytomyr.

Actions and results

Infrastructure development

125 m² of learning and activity spaces in EDUHUB will be renovated and furnished, including 2 rooms and a toilet.
Safe and modern conditions will be created for innovative learning activities and community involvement.

2. Institutional structure of the Methodology Center

The HUB statutes, quality system and operating guidelines will be developed.
Cooperation agreements with other partners will be concluded.
A financial sustainability plan will be prepared (e.g. training fees, other sources of income).

3. Capacity building and network development

At least 100 teachers will be trained in STEAM and first aid methodologies
At least 15 mentor teachers will be certified, who will start passing on knowledge to colleagues.
A digital platform will be created to share training materials and strengthen the community.
Workshops with demonstration exercises, a STEAM lab (e.g. BeeBots, LEGO, microscopes), and a first aid simulation area are being developed and piloted.