Preschool Education Management in Uzbekistan

Effective preschool education management is increasingly recognized as critical to ensuring high-quality early childhood development, especially in countries like Uzbekistan undergoing systemic educational reforms. Although Uzbekistan has made significant progress in expanding access to preschool education and improving policy frameworks, challenges persist in leadership capacity, decentralized governance, and stakeholder engagement. Current research in Uzbekistan largely emphasizes infrastructure and curriculum reform, while the practical dynamics of preschool management such as institutional autonomy, leadership development, and technological integration remain underexamined. This study aims to evaluate the current state of preschool education management in Uzbekistan, identify structural and operational barriers, and propose actionable strategies to improve institutional effectiveness. Findings from surveys, interviews, and policy analysis reveal critical gaps in strategic planning, professional training, digital tool utilization, and collaborative governance. Despite national reforms, centralized decision-making and limited managerial autonomy restrict innovation at the local level. The study presents a comprehensive, mixed-methods evaluation that bridges policy goals with institutional practices, highlighting the value of context-specific leadership models and the integration of social-emotional learning into management training. Strengthening preschool management in Uzbekistan requires targeted leadership development, inclusive governance, and strategic digital integration. These improvements are essential not only for aligning local practices with national objectives but also for ensuring equitable and sustainable outcomes in early childhood education across the country.