On September 26-27, the 3rd international conference titled “Early childhood and Care – Inclusive Systems, Services, and Practices for Every Child” was held by the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, and UNICEF in Georgia, in partnership with Shota Rustaveli State University of Batumi.
The conference aimed to promote academic discussion on the quality, accessibility, and inclusion in early education and care. It also sought to support the university and professional development of teachers and current specialists, while raising awareness about the importance of inclusive early education and care.
At the third international conference, the Rector of East European University (EEU), Professor Kakhaber Lazarashvili, delivered the opening speech. In his presentation, he spoke about the role of East European University in the development of preschool undergraduate programs in Georgia. Special guests at the international conference included Dr. Nicky Spawls, Interim Head of Dept Education at Middlesex University London, and Dr. Angela Scollan, who is also one of the head of the bachelor’s educational program of preschool education at East European University. Both presented a conference paper on the topic of “Listening to the Voices and Expressions of Young Children across Services, Care and Preschool Education”
Additionally, Associate Professor Ketevan Aptarashvili, Dean of the Faculty of Education Sciences at EEU, presented a research report from East European University titled “Caring for Caregivers: Exploring Early Childhood Teachers’ Well-Being in Georgia.”
The conference was attended by more than 170 participants, including government representatives, embassy and international organization officials, academics, researchers, early education specialists, and students. The forum discussed the topics of inclusive systems, services, and practices in education during a child’s early developmental years.
