Yerevan to Launch Armenia's First Infant Nursery Group for 6-12 Month-Olds

A new pilot program in the field of preschool education is underway in Armenia. The capital city of Yerevan plans to establish the country's first specialized care group for infants aged 6-12 months. Standardized dietary and nutritional guidelines for this age group have already been officially approved.

Expanding Programs and Existing Toddler Groups

According to the local news outlet 1lurer.am, daycare groups for children aged 1-2 years are already operating in several Armenian cities. Specifically, these early childcare services are currently provided in four kindergartens in Yerevan, two each in the cities of Gyumri and Vanadzor, as well as one facility in Hrazdan. Based on the outcomes of this ongoing pilot phase, the government's upcoming initiatives plan to make nursery services for children aged 1-2 years widely available across Yerevan's administrative districts and newly consolidated municipalities.

Stricter Licensing Requirements for Childcare Facilities

Alongside the establishment of new nursery groups, the government is heavily prioritizing the legal compliance and educational quality of these institutions. Araksia Svajyan, Armenia's Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, emphasized the absolute necessity of mandatory licensing for all preschools. Meeting the newly established minimum conditions is strictly required for both public community kindergartens and private childcare centers.

While many institutions have already successfully acquired their licenses, certain facilities are still resolving paperwork and compliance issues. As reported by 1lurer.am, kindergarten directors have been strongly urged to "carry out consistent work towards regulating these issues and bringing the licensing process to completion."