Major changes are coming to the Ukrainian education system regarding the financial incentives for educators. Anastasiia Konovalova, Deputy Minister of Education and Science for Preschool Education, has announced a 20% salary increase for kindergarten teachers, planned to take effect from January 1, 2027. This decision is intended to continue the course of improving working conditions in the field of preschool education, although the final approval of the resolution is still pending.
Mechanism and timing of the increase
According to information presented at the "Serpenova 2026" conference, the corresponding resolution has already been prepared by the Ministry of Education and Science (MES). Despite the existence of the document, it has not yet been officially approved by the government. Konovalova emphasized that, although a 20% increase is a significant step, it is insufficient to fully resolve the industry's problems; therefore, work on a comprehensive improvement of the situation will continue. It is expected that starting next year, payments will be reviewed upwards for all pedagogical workers in preschool institutions.
New law and paid services
An important aspect of the reform is the introduction of the new law "On Preschool Education." The document introduces the possibility for kindergartens to offer parents additional paid services. However, officials insist on a strict separation: paid classes cannot replace the main educational program. If parents refuse to pay for additional services, the child will still attend the group and receive free preschool education in full. This is intended to protect the rights of families with different income levels.
Context: salary growth in 2026
The current proposal for a 20% increase is part of a long-term strategy. We remind you that as of January 1, 2026, kindergarten teacher salaries already increased by 30% due to a government decision. Furthermore, as of September 1, 2026, school teacher salaries were also increased by 20%. Overall, compared to 2025, teacher remuneration is expected to rise by 50%. After all planned increases, young teachers will be able to earn between 12,800 and 17,700 UAH, while experienced specialists will earn between 16,900 and 28,500 UAH per month.
Contradictory data
There is some uncertainty regarding the implementation of these plans. On one hand, the Deputy Minister states that the resolution is ready and the increase is planned for January 2027. On the other hand, the lack of official approval of the document at the current time (August 2026) leaves room for reviewing the timing or amounts depending on the state's budgetary capabilities. There is also no consensus on how exactly these increases will be financed given the current economic situation, which raises questions among trade unions.
