Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Nodar Papukashvili, inaugurated the inaugural summary conference of the San Diego State University Research Foundation (SDSURF), where participants discussed the outcomes and future plans of SDSURF's comprehensive efforts in the field of early education.

Addressing the audience, Nodar Papukashvili expressed gratitude to the representatives of the San Diego State University Research Foundation for their collaboration and elaborated on ongoing and upcoming projects aimed at enhancing the quality of preschool education.

Highlighting the significance of the partnership with the San Diego State University Research Foundation, the Deputy Minister emphasized its substantial contribution to the enhancement of Georgia's early and preschool education system. According to Papukashvili, the Ministry actively continues its efforts in various directions to further adapt the preschool education system to the needs and best interests of children.

The San Diego State University Research Foundation, supported by the World Bank through the Innovation, Inclusive Education, and Quality Project, is undertaking comprehensive efforts in the realm of early education.

At the summary conference, the San Diego State University Research Foundation showcased activities targeting the improvement of management systems in early and preschool care and education institutions, as well as the elevation of program quality. Professor Nancy Fry, leading a team of international experts, provided a global perspective on early and preschool upbringing and education.

The conference featured presentations by international and local experts on various aspects of early childhood education and care, including data reporting systems, the development of merit-based compensation systems, prerequisites for successful early childhood education and care programs, and the implementation of quality assurance frameworks. Discussions encompassed legal analysis of regulatory documents in the early and preschool education sector, along with relevant recommendations. Participants also delved into ongoing efforts regarding the professional development of educators and educator-pedagogues, as well as updates to existing school readiness programs.

Deputy Minister of Education and Science of Georgia, Tamar Makharashvili, alongside representatives from the Parliament of Georgia, local authorities, international donor organizations, and other stakeholders, actively participated in the event.

The World Bank-funded Innovation, Inclusion, and Quality Project (I2Q) play a pivotal role in ongoing reforms within the education system, contributing significantly to the development of early, general, and higher education.