Dmitry Medvedev discuss construction of new kindergartens with heads of Russian regions

RF President Dmitry Medvedev discussed realization of regional programs on developing children pre-school education in terms of increasing the number of places at pre-school institutions with heads of RF subjects. A meeting “On developing pre-school education in RF and efficiency of budget funds expenditure allocated for construction of pre-school institutions” was held in format of video conference with participation of RT Premier Ildar Khalikov.

By words of RF Minister of education and science Andrei Fursenko, 80 Russian regions had accepted regional programs on increasing the number of places at pre-school institutions. Totally about 40 mln. roubles are allocated for these purposes in 2011 from regional budgets, 200 000 additional places are to be created.

According to Andrei Fursenko currently only 59 % children are involved in pre-school education in Russia while in USSR the rate reached 62 %.

RF President Dmitry Medvedev suggested participants of the meeting to hear the reports of three regions – Belgorod region, Chechen Republic and Tatarstan Republic.

Governor of Belgorod region Evgeny Savchenko told about experience in establishing private kindergartens. He informed that 8 private kindergartens for 525 places were created in the region. Pre-school institutions are located in private flats, rural family households except for special buildings.

Evgeny Savchenko stressed that development of private kindergartens is a good business for the region because one place costs the state 600 thousand - 1 mln roubles.

Commissioner for Children's Rights at RF President Pavel Astakhov emphasized that strict control for conditions of children’s stay in private kindergartens is necessary.

Tatarstan Premier Ildar Khalikov reported Dmitry Medvedev about Tatarstan experience in creation of electronic queue to kindergartens. He informed that for January,1,2011 the queue made 25 000 children. Due to adoption of electronic accounting it has become possible to make the procedure easier and more transparent both for authorities and parents.

Ildar Khalikov also told about program of developing pre-school education “Belekech”.

Data about efficient use of funds meant for increasing the number of places at children pre-school institutions were introduced as well at the meeting.