The Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine has issued official clarifications regarding the operation of preschool educational institutions during the 2026-2027 autumn-winter period amidst potential blackouts. According to the new guidelines, kindergartens may shorten or temporarily suspend their operations if a specific facility is unable to guarantee fully safe and comfortable conditions for the children. The key decision on whether children can continue staying at the facility rests directly with its head.
Powers of Administration and Critical Infrastructure Assessment
The head of each preschool institution is obliged to promptly assess the current situation at the facility in the event of emergencies. If necessary utility resources are maintained through backup sources or short-term outages, children may continue staying at the kindergarten as usual. However, in the event of serious problems with lighting, central heating, water supply, ventilation, kitchen functionality, or general sanitary standards, the director must re-evaluate safety conditions and decide on a reduced working schedule.
Provision of Backup Power, Heat, and Water
To ensure uninterrupted operation during power outages, kindergartens must actively use generators, capacious batteries, and other alternative energy sources while strictly complying with fire and technical safety rules. In the absence of water supply, management must check strategic drinking water reserves, organize hygiene procedures, and maintain restroom facilities. If basic sanitary requirements or safe food preparation become impossible, the operating mode of the institution must be immediately adjusted, and catering is temporarily suspended.
Action Algorithm During Air Raids and Communication with Parents
Special attention in the MES clarifications is paid to safety measures during air raid alerts. Kindergarten staff are required to orderly evacuate all children to a designated shelter, conduct a roll call, and remain there until the danger has officially passed. If parents receive notification about the early termination of the facility's operation but cannot arrive immediately, the child remains under the reliable supervision of the staff. Leaving the shelter independently or letting children go alone is strictly prohibited. Parents are promptly informed of any schedule changes through official communication channels, parent chats, and email.
