A GOOD START Project in Slovakia A road of a thousand miles begins with the first step... Conference on Early Childhood Education and Care for Roma Children 4th of June 2012, Brussels Edita Kovarova Equalizing Chances, Statutory representative Albin Cina Equal Chances, Slovakia Eva Končoková Nadácia Škola dokorán, member of ISSA With support from the European Union

AGS – Outcome of Slovak Interventions The cognitive, social, emotional and psychomotoric competencies of the children in pre-school age are improved. Better school achievement of the children in elementary schools attained. Enhanced pedagogical and methodological competencies of the teachers and mediators in the field of education. Increased interest of the local self-governements in education of the Romani children. New regular class created at the local kindergarten. With support from the European Union

AGS – some other activities Toys library Partnership with Presov University in Presov, Faculty of Pedagogy – voluntary family assistants Cooperation with the National project Education of Pedagogical Professionals towards Inclusion of Romani pupils implemented by the Methodological and Pedagogical center in Presov With support from the European Union

AGS – Lessons learned, the most important: It is not possible to achieve any progress in the project and real change without the direct participation of people from the local community. The project gave the children a chance to spend happy childhood in inspirational environment of kindergartens. Make a condition for inclusive education is a key strategy of solving the education in Slovakia for all children. With support from the European Union

A GOOD START project in Slovakia A road of a thousand miles begins with the first step... Conference on Early Childhood Education and Care for Roma Children 4th June 2012 Brussels Edita Kovarova Equalizing Chances, Statutory representative Albin Cina Equal Chances, Slovakia Eva Končoková Nadácia Škola dokorán, member of ISSA With support from the European Union

AGS – Community empowerment in Zborov, district of Bardejov Number of inhabitants: 3099; ratio of Roma: up to 40% Benefits of the project for the community: Breaking through the barriers in the field of pre-school education of the Romani children Improving communication skills of the participating Romani parents Developing skills, capacities, knowledge of the members of the local community Providing working experience for community mediators With support from the European Union

AGS – Community empowerment Increased trust of the local Romani community to the organizations implemented the project. Better school achievement, improved social skills and breaking the language barrier of the Romani children. Improved social relations between Romani and Non-Romani community. Direct participation of the parents contributes towards decreasing the risk of social exclusion, lack of adaptability and marginalization. The project became a chance for our community to realize its own needs as well as its own abilities. With support from the European Union

The role of Nadácia Škola dokorán To promote high quality ECEC services To build the capacity of professionals, paraprofessionals and Roma parents so that they are able to address the specific needs of Roma children and their families To promote principles and practices of social justice and intercultural participatory approach in the framework of inclusion With support from the European Union

Diversity of services Sevices in the kindergarten Non-formal preschool facilities in nuns house Play groups organized in families With support from the European Union

Target group Various non-Roma and Roma professionals and Roma Professionals Paraprofessionals Kindergarten and Primary School Teachers Roma Teaching Assistants Mediators Family Assistants Tutors Roma Parents in centers Community and family based services With support from the European Union

Types of capacity building activities in 2010: 1-3 days trainings targeting kindergarten and primary school teachers, Roma teaching assistants Content: Principles of child centered education approach ISSAs Quality Pedagogy Integrated approach - working with children from non-dominant culture Education for Social Justice Parenting with Confidence, Getting ready for School Mediation and problem solving, Motivation tools for mediators Outline of the health education Main outcomes: Empowerment of communities and professionals Improved knowledge, skills 12 With support from the European Union

13 Outcomes for Children Outcomes for Children Outcomes for Children Interactions Family and Community Inclusion, Diversity, and the Values of Democracy Professional Development Learning Environment Teaching Strategies Assessment and Planning ISSA Quality Principles – Focus Areas

Workshops, Mentoring, Fieldwork in 2011 and 2012: targeting kindergarten and primary school teachers, Roma teaching assistants, mediators, family assistants, tutors, Roma parents Content areas for workshops and mentoring: Putting ISSA Principles of Quality Pedagogy in practice Improving practice by using ISSAs Continuum for Assessing Caregivers Main outcomes: Strengthened communication skills of Roma mediators, family assistants Improved school - family relationship Contribution to social inclusion through the Roma mediators, assistants Explored strategies to promote active learning and development of Roma 14 With support from the European Union

Lesson learnt through capacity building interventions - the engine of the change: Roma Families, important resource in the process of combating social exclusion Capacity building of professionals and paraprofessionals to address the specific needs of Roma children and their families, Establishment of a Learning Community among professionals, paraprofessionals and non-professionals, working together towards the same goals and learning from each other Long term investment in people which needs reinforcement, assistance and support 15 With support from the European Union

The biggest challenges: Create different services ready for children, not children ready to enroll in services Follow up professional development of educators, mediators Community based Peer learning The most difficult barriers: Absence of compulsory preschool education of Roma children Communication gap between majority and minority ethnic groups due to existing prejudice and stereotypes Lack of platform for interaction on local level, limited institutional, professional and individual cooperation 16 With support from the European Union

What makes the difference for long lasting capacity building investment? Being closer to people! Building bridges and alliances! Tailoring the capacity building interventions to specific community needs Using various forms of capacity building interventions and use of existing knowledge and human resources Providing on-going support and assistance for professionals and paraprofessionals 17 With support from the European Union

Contact: Equalizing Chances Nadácia Škola dokorán, member of ISSA 18 Equalizing Chances &