World Vision Armenia's recommendations have successfully influenced national legislation to improve integration of children with special needs into mainstream education.
The positions of specialists in pre-school educational institutions and the qualifications those specialists must have are specified in the legislation. It also stresses the importance of having both special educators and a social educator-psychologist present in kindergartens.
"The presence of these specialists in the kindergartens is a real advantage. This will mean that more measures will be taken to identify children with special needs, and foster their development and social integration," said Arthur Martirossyan, child protection programme policy officer.
The international relief agency also contributed to the development of regulations on the number of children with special needs in the inclusive kindergarten groups. It defines a maximum of five to seven children with special needs in a group - a pivotal step towards establishing inclusive education in Armenia.
This success is the result of the relief agency's long-lasting cooperation with the Special and Preschool Education Units of the Ministry of Education and Science, according to World Vision.
"We want to multiply World Vision's impact on children by advocating for change in national legislation. World Vision has influenced 13 changes in legislation so far; changes that affect the lives of all children in Armenia," said Mark Kelly, national director of World Vision Armenia.
Meanwhile, World Vision's Child Protection Programme will continue partnering with government bodies and local stakeholders to broaden the inclusive kindergarten network.
