INFORMATION LETTER

Dear Educators, Scholars, and Early-Career Researchers!

Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, Department of Preschool Education and Social Pedagogy, cordially invites you to the International Scientific and Practical OPEN SPACE entitled “CHILD PERSONALITY AND TEACHER PROFESSIONALISM: FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLIED RESEARCH IN PRESCHOOL EDUCATION,” to be held on October 9, 2026, in celebration of the 60th birthday of Ulbossyn Kyyakbayeva, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences and Associate Professor.

Thematic areas of the International Scientific and Practical OPEN SPACE

1.  Innovations and Contemporary Pedagogical Practices in Early Childhood Education;

2. Scientific and Pedagogical Foundations of Child Development;

3. Current Issues in the Professional Preparation of Early Childhood Educators;

4. Research, Practice, and International Collaboration in Early Childhood Education.

Aim: to examine the relationship between preschool children’s personality development and teacher professionalism, discuss the findings of fundamental and applied research, and identify ways to use these findings in educational practice. By integrating national and international experience, the event aims to improve child-centred learning environments, develop teachers’ research competence and strengthen cooperation between researchers and practitioners.

Participants: heads, educators and methodology specialists of preschool institutions; university lecturers; representatives of education authorities; national and international researchers; doctoral, master’s and undergraduate students.

As part of the event, the “USHQYN LAB” Scientific and Innovation Laboratory for Child Development and Preschool Education will be officially opened at Nursery-Kindergarten No. 187 as a branch of the Department of Preschool Education and Social Pedagogy, Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University.

“USHQYN LAB” is a new research and practice platform designed to integrate research and practice in preschool education, promote the scientific study of child development, develop and pilot contemporary pedagogical ideas and innovative practices, and facilitate their implementation in educational practice.

The Laboratory will foster professional collaboration among university researchers, educators, early-career researchers, and future professionals. It will also serve as an innovative hub for “research – education – practice” integration, strengthening continuity and cooperation between preschool education institutions and higher education.

The opening of the Laboratory will create new opportunities to connect scientific research with preschool education practice, support advanced pedagogical initiatives, and implement new research and innovation projects focused on child development.

As part of the event, a scientific and methodological exhibition entitled “Innovations in Preschool Education: From Idea to Practice” will be held, showcasing contemporary pedagogical ideas, original teaching methods, innovative technologies, and best practices in preschool education.

During the exhibition, educators and researchers will have the opportunity to explore innovative projects, contemporary models of developmental learning environments, digital and interactive resources used in preschool education, as well as practical approaches designed to support children’s cognitive, creative, and social development.

In addition, a series of practical master classes entitled “USHQYN PRACTICE: From Idea to Innovative Practice” will be offered to participants. The master classes will demonstrate practical applications of contemporary pedagogical approaches and technologies in preschool education, providing participants with opportunities to try out innovative methods, exchange professional experience, and collaboratively discuss new pedagogical ideas.

Key areas of the master classes: developing children’s research and creative potential; innovative approaches to learning through play; integrating STEAM and digital technologies into preschool education; designing contemporary developmental learning environments; developing social and emotional skills; and designing innovative pedagogical practices.

Working languages of OPEN SPACE: Kazakh, Russian and English.

Formatting requirements for materials

Papers (3-5 pages) must be prepared in Microsoft Word using Times New Roman, 12-point font, single line spacing, 20 mm margins on all sides and a first-line paragraph indent of 1.25 cm.

Main requirements: centre the article title on the first line in bold capital letters. Leave one blank line, then provide the author’s full name, followed by academic degree, academic title, position, institution, city and email address.

Please email an electronic copy of your paper to the address below, indicating the relevant thematic area.

Materials that do not meet the requirements or are submitted after the deadline will not be considered or returned to the author.

Submit the OPEN SPACE participant registration form together with your paper (Appendix 1).

Submission of papers and registration - until October 8, 2026.

An electronic collection of OPEN SPACE papers will be prepared and sent to participants by email. Participation in OPEN SPACE is free of charge.

Send your registration form and paper to s.raimkul@abaiuniversity.edu.kz. Use the subject line “OPEN SPACE: The Child’s Personality and Teacher Professionalism”.

Contact person: Sandugash Raimkul Umytbekkyzy.

Telephone: +7 747 498 47 07.

Organizing Committee address: 050010, Almaty, 31 Tole bi Street, Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University, Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, Department of Preschool Education and Social Pedagogy, Room 30.

Appendix 1