Early children’s education in Ukraine under martial law: challenges and prospects

Abstract

The article examines the specific features of early childhood upbringing (ages 1-3) in Ukraine under the conditions of martial law, which has been in effect since 2022. The authors focus on the main challenges faced by parents or their substitutes, as well as educators, including disrupted stability, forced internal displacement or migration abroad, and limited access to educational, medical, and social services. In the context of war, young children are in a critical period of psycho-emotional and sensory development, which requires the provision of a stable routine, a safe environment, and emotional support from adults. The article explores the unique characteristics of emotional reactivity in young children during crises, as well as the impact of psychoemotional stress on their development. The article also provides a detailed analysis of the current Ukrainian legislation in the field of preschool education, particularly the Law of Ukraine «On Preschool Education» and the Basic Component of Preschool Education. These documents define the legal and value-based foundations for raising young children, outlining their fundamental needs and developmental priorities. The authors emphasize that pedagogical support for children and families during wartime must be systematic, comprehensive, and based on the integration of innovative methods that promote the creation of a safe space and the child’s socialization. The article substantiates the necessity of implementing pedagogical patronage as a key form of support for families in crisis and outlines prospects for improving the educational process under martial law conditions. Special attention is given to the importance of interagency cooperation, educational outreach with parents, maintaining stable daily routines, and fostering children’s emotional resilience. The research findings provide a foundation for further scientific exploration in early childhood education, crisis pedagogy, and the development of adaptive educational practices aimed at protecting and nurturing the youngest generation in complex sociopolitical circumstances.

Key words: early childhood; full-scale war; martial law; psycho-emotional support; pedagogical support; family; crisis conditions.