Šiauliai District Kuršėnai Nursery-Kindergarten “Žiedelis” began its activities on January 7, 2022.
On September 1, 2020, after the reorganization of Šiauliai District Daugėliai Nursery-Kindergarten and Šiauliai District Kuršėnai Nursery-Kindergarten “Buratinas” through a merger, the institution operated under the name Šiauliai District Kuršėnai Nursery-Kindergarten until January 6, 2022.
On January 7, 2022, the institution received its official name — Šiauliai District Kuršėnai Nursery-Kindergarten “Žiedelis.”
The nursery-kindergarten educates children with diverse personal experiences, social backgrounds, cultures, and needs. It has 10 groups:
1 group for infants from birth to 2 years old,
2 groups for children aged 1.5 to 3 years,
5 groups for preschool children aged 3 to 5 years, and
2 groups for pre-primary children aged 5/6 to 7 years.
Children can attend programs lasting 4, 6, or 10.5 hours per day. An extended-day group is also available.
Teachers working according to preschool and pre-primary education programs, as well as art education teachers and non-formal education teachers (physical education and dance), help children develop various skills, knowledge, and experiences. Each group has a teacher’s assistant who supports both the teacher and the children. The maintenance staff ensures proper sanitary and hygienic conditions in group rooms.
Special arrangements are made to keep children who do not nap at noon engaged in meaningful activities.
A teacher (student) assistant supports children with special educational needs who have limited ability to participate independently in learning or other activities.
Children with speech and language disorders work with speech therapists (logopedists).
A specialist from the Šiauliai District Public Health Bureau conducts educational sessions for children, provides information and consultations for staff and parents (guardians) on strengthening and maintaining children’s health, promoting healthy lifestyles, and implements preventive programs.
The educational process integrates the Lifelong Learning international program and various project-based activities (Erasmus+, eTwinning, ESFA, etc.). The nursery-kindergarten has extensive experience implementing international projects.
The institution has been recognized as a “Health-Promoting School,” “Active School,” and “eTwinning School.” It also participates in the “Sustainable School 2030” agenda. Special attention is given to the community’s emotional safety, health, and physical activity. The social-emotional skills programs “Siautukai” and “Zippy’s Friends” are implemented. The nursery-kindergarten is also involved in the Lithuanian Children and Youth Olympic Education Project “Olympic Generation.”
The educational process takes place not only in group rooms but also in assembly and sports halls, a Lego Dacta playroom, an exploration laboratory, a sensory room, corridors, stairways, the kindergarten yard, and other indoor and outdoor spaces.