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On May 27, the NA deputy Sofia Hovsepyan invited the representatives of private kindergartens to the parliament for discussing the problems of the sphere. The representatives of the Government and the members of the Association for Private Preschool Institutions took part in the work discussion.

The amendments proposed by the Government to the laws on Licensing, on State Duty and on Education were debated and which were adopted by the first reading. An amendment to the licensing order of private kindergartens is envisaged by regulations.

Sofia Hovsepyan has noted that the proposed standards for getting a license are unrealistic, as a result of which a number of private kindergartens will be closed. According to the deputy, if those institutions correspond to the programme standards of Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport (ESCS) then we cannot say the same in case of the standards set by the Ministry of Health and Urban Development Committee. Hovsepyan is sure that the private part should be given an opportunity to get a license and to control the preschool process and the implemented programmes.

During the discussions, it was referred to providing building conditions, tightening of sanitary norms which, according to those who are responsible for the field, are not realistic. Those who were present highlighted the application of control inspection tools, state trainings and the implementation of the process aimed at boosting the quality improvement.

The representatives of Health and Labor Inspectorate and the ESCS Licensing Agency have underlined that they are ready to discuss all proposals related to the sphere. It has been stated, however, that there are basic norms related to the children’s health and safety which cannot be changed.