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Starting in 2027, all kindergartens across Kazakhstan, including private institutions, will be required to obtain a mandatory license. This new regulation has sparked concerns among private kindergarten operators about potential widespread closures.

However, the Ministry of Education has moved to allay these fears, stating that a mass shutdown of private facilities is unlikely.

New Requirements for All Kindergartens

The upcoming licensing process will establish specific standards for educational facilities. These requirements will cover aspects such as building safety, the qualifications of teaching staff, educational program content, the availability of material and technical resources, and overall infrastructure.

Furthermore, a new procedure for state control, allowing for unannounced inspections of institutions providing services like catering, accommodation, education, and health improvement for children, came into effect on February 1, 2026.

Current Landscape of Private Kindergartens

As of now, Kazakhstan is home to 11,909 pre-school organizations, with 6,526 of them being privately owned. According to the Ministry of Education, the majority of these private kindergartens already meet current standards. The fact that 96% of the state's educational order is placed with private institutions indicates their general compliance.

Addressing Closure Concerns

Officials at the Ministry of Education have stated there is no data to support predictions of mass closures for private pre-school organizations. Given that 96% of private kindergartens are already meeting the state educational order requirements, projections suggesting up to a 50% closure rate are considered unfounded. Only a small number of institutions that fail to meet the newly established standards might face difficulties.

The Licensing Process

The licensing procedure will be implemented in stages, taking into account the preparedness of each organization. Kindergartens will need to comply with stringent requirements related to sanitary and fire safety, anti-terrorism measures, accessibility for children with special educational needs, and the adequacy of their material and technical base and staffing.

Contingency Plans for Children

In the event that any kindergartens are unable to meet the new standards, the responsibility for ensuring children continue to receive education will fall to local authorities. The state remains committed to supporting the pre-school education system through the state educational order and social support measures.