HISTORY OF FORMATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF PRESCHOOL EDUCATION OF THE STATE HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION “DONBAS STATE PEDAGOGICAL UNIVERSITY”

Abstract

The article is dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Department of Preschool Education of the State Higher Educational Institution «Donbas State Pedagogical University». The purpose of the article is to describe the history of the formation and development of the Department of Preschool Education from the moment of its creation to the present day. To present the teachers of the Department of Preschool Education for 60 years. Methodology: Analysis and description of the main events in four periods: the first period 1965–1980, the second period 1980–1990, the third period 1990–2005, the fourth period 2007– present. Each collective is unique and one of a kind. It has its own traditions, norms and culture of communication. The scientific novelty is represented by the fact that the article describes the active forms of work of the Department of Preschool Education in scientific, professional, educational and career guidance activities (participation in international and all- Ukrainian conferences; publication of scientific research in professional journals of Ukraine and abroad, as well as in journals included in the Scopus and Web of Science databases; professional development of teachers in Ukraine and abroad, academic mobility of higher education students, participation in the Councils of Young Scientists, membership in the All-Ukrainian Public Organization «Association of Preschool Education Workers,» creation of a creative charity project – a newspaper for parents and teachers «Wisdom of Education,» guest lectures and webinars, and launching the department’s pages on social networks). The total number of graduates of the department is analyzed, including: Doctors of Sciences, Professors, Candidates of Sciences, Associate Professors, Directors of Preschool Education Institutions, etc. The current situation of the department during the full-scale invasion of the aggressor country is described. Conclusions. The human resources, energy and perseverance of the staff, experience and traditions of the department are important factors of success in achieving its goals and mission.