The project represents Phase 2 of PEDAKOS, an initiative promoted by RTM to support the Kosovan Ministry of Education, Sciences and Innovation in implementing the preschool education component of the National Education Strategy 2022-2026.
The Initiative builds on the results of PEDAKOS Phase 1, reaching a total of 50 kindergartens and taking action on two related issues: the low quality of existing early childhood education services and limited access to them by families.

Context

Kosovo’s legislation and policies for early childhood education are still emerging in the education field. The development of a strong Early Childhood Education system is a top priority, a significant step taken with the approval of the “Law on Early Childhood Education” in 2023.

Kindergarten’s staff often have outdated or low-quality training, and they lack modern teaching materials and opportunities for continuous education. Most kindergartens use classroom-based teaching methods that emphasize discipline and mandatory learning. The number of public kindergardens is limited, so the early childhood education private sector plays a key role in childcare services (mostly micro-small, female-led managed).

Lack of access to childcare services is one of the main obstacles to women in Kosovo finding, obtaining, and maintaining employment, primarily due to the limited availability of childcare facilities, the high cost of private services, and the poor quality of services. At the same time, demand is growing, both in urban centers from parents who understand the benefits for their child’s development and, in more remote areas, from working (or willing to work) mothers. Access to childcare services is even more limited for vulnerable families (low-income, rural areas, children with special needs).