Early childhood education system in Ukraine during wartime: problems and challenges

Abstract

Work-life balance has long been a subject of public and academic debate in countries with varying degrees of social policy development. Preschools are one of the tools for achieving such a balance, as they provide care and education for children while their parents have the opportunity to pursue professional activities. The study analyzed the changes in the preschool education system during the full-scale war in Ukraine, characterized the impact of the war on infrastructure, accessibility and functioning of care services, the possibilities of restoring access under martial law, and regional characteristics. The set of factors determining functioning and quality of the preschool system in conditions of full-scale war was supplemented by the security situation at the regional level, territorial accessibility of institutions for both parents and preschool staff, and the availability of shelters equipped for children.