Over 600 nursery teachers, teaching assistants and training specialists from pre-school education institutions across Ukraine have completed “The League of the Strong” online course, “Early Identification and Inclusive Interaction in Nursery Schools”.
This is a record number of participants for this training programme, which will enable further changes to be implemented in Ukrainian nurseries.
The course programme helped participants not only to deepen their understanding of the principles of inclusive education, but also to acquire practical tools for their work. From now on, educators are better equipped to identify a child’s developmental characteristics in a timely manner, support them, interact effectively with parents and work as a team with colleagues, so that every child feels accepted and has equal opportunities for development.
The training programme covered key topics essential for modern practice in pre-school education settings. In particular, participants explored strategies for responding to behavioural challenges, the principles of creating an inclusive environment, ethical terminology when working with children with disabilities, early identification of behavioural signs, effective communication with children and their families, professional boundaries, and the specifics of collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.
Anastasia Humenna, a representative of Cherkasy General Education School No. 15, noted that she found the topics on effective communication with children with disabilities, appropriate terminology, professional ethics, working with families, and practical case studies that can be applied immediately in her work to be the most valuable. She was also particularly moved by the film *March of the Penguins*. It helped her gain a deeper understanding of parents’ experiences, the inner world of children, and the importance of support and acceptance:
“For me, this wasn’t just a training course, but an opportunity to take a fresh look at inclusion, the role of the teacher, and the importance of early identification of a child’s developmental characteristics. The most valuable topics were effective communication with children with disabilities, appropriate terminology, professional ethics, working with families, and practical case studies that can be applied straight away in my work. Every lecture was informative, sincere and inspiring for professional development. I am convinced that such courses are worth taking not only by teachers, but by everyone who wants to build a society in which every person feels respected, understood and supported.”
Participants note that the training has given them greater confidence in implementing inclusive approaches right from the start of the new academic year.
“It was this course that helped me delve deeper into the subject, which I plan to draw on when developing my own social-emotional development programme and in my day-to-day work with children. I am convinced that the knowledge I have gained will help make the educational environment even safer, more inclusive and friendlier for every child,” said Oksana Gunchak, a representative of the Pshenychnykiv Gymnasium of the Vyhoda Settlement Council in Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast.
For many participants, the course served as a catalyst for developing new educational practices.
“This course has given me valuable tools and the confidence to support the development of children in my group. From the start of the new academic year, I will be implementing inclusive practices and working to create an environment in which every child feels accepted and protected,” said Antonina Yaroshevych, a representative of Combined Preschool No. 5 in the Rivne region.
Participants noted that the training had given them greater confidence in implementing inclusive approaches right from the start of the new academic year.
“The material was informative, accessible and full of real-life examples that can be applied in our day-to-day work. I would like to express my sincere thanks to the organisers and trainers for their professional delivery, up-to-date information and inspiration for further development. I am convinced that implementing the principles of early intervention will help create an inclusive, safe and supportive educational environment for every child,” said Marina Hotsyak, a representative of the ‘Romashka’ pre-school in Lanchyn, Ivano-Frankivsk region.
The online training was supported by UK aid from the UK government. It was implemented by “The League of the Strong” as part of the PULSE National Consortium, coordinated by the “Right to Protection” Charitable Foundation. Support for this project in Ukraine from the UK government is provided through the SHARP component of its Humanitarian Aid, Recovery and Protection Programme.