III Republican Forum «Integration of STEM, Ecology, and Digital Technologies into the System of Preschool Education»

On February 18, 2026, the III Republican Forum for professionals in the field of preschool education was held at Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University in accordance with the work plan of the Republican Educational and Methodological Association in the field 012 – Pedagogy of Preschool Education and Training. The theme of the forum was «Integration of STEM, Ecology, and Digital Technologies into the System of Preschool Education».

The forum was attended by representatives of the Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology of Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, including the Head of the Department of Preschool Education and Social Pedagogy, Ulbossyn Kiyakbayeva and Associate Professor Gulbanu Abitova.

The purpose of the event was to discuss current issues in preschool education and to enhance professional cooperation among universities, colleges, and preschool educational organizations.

The participants were welcomed by Askat Yerlanuly, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University, who emphasized the crucial role of preschool education in shaping a well-rounded personality in children. He also highlighted the effectiveness of an innovative ecosystem in fostering digital literacy among educators.

The moderator of the forum was Dr. Akmaral Mukhanbetzhanova, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences and Professor, Dean of the Faculty of Innovative Education, who presented the program and outlined the key areas of discussion.

The speakers’ presentations addressed various aspects of the application of artificial intelligence in preschool education. Maria Yermanova, Director of the «Institute of Early Childhood Development» under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan, focused on the priority areas of state policy aimed at improving preschool education.

Ulbossyn Kiyakbayeva, Head of the Department of Preschool Education and Social Pedagogy, examined new models for training future preschool teachers in the era of artificial intelligence. Associate Professor Gulbanu Abitova presented a report on early career guidance for preschool children as one of the key factors in the development of preschool education.

The Republican Forum became an important platform for discussing new directions in the implementation of artificial intelligence into pedagogical practice, contributing to the expansion of cooperation and academic exchange between researchers and practitioners in the field of preschool education.

Following the forum, a meeting was held with the Rector of Kh. Dosmukhamedov Atyrau University, Salamat Idrisov, during which further directions for close inter-university cooperation in the training of teaching staff for the preschool education sector were discussed.