The hackathon aimed to design a framework for network-based collaboration in the field of preschool and teacher education.
As repeatedly emphasized by the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, early childhood education is one of the most important components of the national education system. To ensure the holistic development of children from their earliest years, all stakeholders must work in close coordination.
A key condition for high-quality preschool education is a competent teaching workforce. Faculty members of the Department of Preschool and Primary Education continuously adapt student training programs to meet contemporary educational standards.
Alongside traditional teaching methods, particular emphasis is placed on developing:
During the hackathon, the Department presented a model of network partnership within the innovative academic program “Preschool Education: Integration of Practice and Science.”
This partnership model focuses on achieving shared goals and exchanging resources. Unlike traditional forms of cooperation, it is built on systematic interaction among all stakeholders: universities, preschool institutions, governing bodies, parents, and community organizations.
Elena Li, Head of the Department, outlined the key advantages of network collaboration:
During an interactive session, kindergarten directors discussed pressing issues, including:
Among the proposed solutions were the assignment of experienced mentors to students during their teaching placements, enhanced social and psychological support for young professionals, and an increase in the number of hours dedicated to teaching practice.
Karlygash Kubeeva, Senior Methodologist at the Methodological Center of the Kostanay Region Department of Education, emphasized the importance of cooperation with the University’s Department:
“Effective partnership between the Department of Education and the University’s Department will ensure the sustainable development of preschool education, prepare a new generation of educators, and strengthen parents’ trust in the education system.”
