YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 12, ARMENPRESS. 18 new pre-schools have been opened September 1, 2019 in various towns of 8 provinces in Armenia, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Arayik Harutyunyan said.

“Pre-school education is the primary circle in the children development process because it’s important in what kind of an environment children are growing up. Studies show that children who attend pre-schools more easily adapt to the educational environment in the future and are readier to perceive the knowledge they learn at schools. It is noteworthy that the educational program has very important significance in the pre-school education phase: it must be maximally adapted to the capabilities of the children of the given age group,” the minister said.

Harutyunyan said the new pre-schools have been opened in the provinces of Gegharkunik, Shirak, Kotayk, Syunik, Armavir, Tavush, Lori and Vayots Dzor.

Currently 40% of children aged 3-6 attend pre-schools, and the minister said they plan to make the figure grow to 70% by 2024.

Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan