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Decja radost

Serbia 🇷🇸
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The Preschool Institution “Dečja radost” in Pančevo was founded in 1964 and is a unique organization dedicated to the comprehensive care, upbringing, and education of children from the age of 1 until they begin school. With 20 kindergartens across the city, the Institution serves around 2,900 children in 137 groups, supported by 470 professional staff members. 

The Institution’s working hours are from 5:30 to 16:30, or from 11:30 to 22:30, until which time one kindergarten is on duty as one of the forms of work at the Institution 

Our programs include full-day nursery care (ages 1–3), kindergarten (ages 3–5), and preparatory preschool programs (ages 5–school entry), as well as half-day educational programs. In certain groups, mixed-age learning is organized in line with the principles of the Law on Education. Educational work is guided by the “Years of Ascension” (Godine uzleta) program, the Institution’s Development and Action Plans, and continuous evaluation of children’s needs, interests, and family involvement. Our mission is to create nurturing environments where children are seen as active participants, kindergartens as supportive communities, and preschool education as a foundation for lifelong learning. 

The goals that educators and nurse educators “bring to life” at the level of the real program stem from understanding and revising theoretical knowledge and value orientations in relation to: 

  • Understandings about the child (how we see the child)
  • Understanding kindergarten practice (what kind of kindergarten we want)
  • Understanding the nature and function of preschool education (what kind of preschool education we believe in)

The Fundamentals of Preschool Education Program as a document that defines the concept of upbringing and education of preschool children. It includes an understanding of the child and his/her learning and development, an understanding of the nature of preschool education practice and program, and an understanding of the function and nature of upbringing and education at preschool age. 

  • Special programs  
  • Occasional programs  
  • Projects Cooperation with the local environment 
  • Cooperation with parents 
  • Cooperation with other kindergartens within the institution  
  • Activities in terms of cooperation with schools and other educational institutions 
  • Recreation 
  • Professional development 
  • Professional bodies and teams 

The Faces of the Project

Vesna Canković
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Verica Bozic
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Milana Vojvodic
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Vesna Canković

Vesna Canković is a preschool teacher with more than 20 years of experience in early childhood education. She is employed at the PI “Dečja radost” in Pančevo.For nine years, she led a bilingual Serbian-English group and coordinated the bilingual education program. 

She pays special attention to creating a stimulating environment, individualization, and contemporary methodologies. She is the author and co-author of numerous professional papers, an active participant in international projects and a lecturer at conferences and professional gatherings. 

She fosters a culture of collaboration, support, and professional growth. Vesna is the recipient of both National and European eTwinning Quality Labels. 

Professional Development: 

  • Cambridge ESOL Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International –Council of Europe Level B2 
  • CLIL and Blended Learning for Primary and Secondary Teachers (Bell School, Cambridge, UK) 
  • TKT Essentials Teacher Training Course 
  • Mensa NTC Learning System  
  • Cambridge Standards Examination Course Retraining Program at the School of Electrical Engineering, University of Belgrade – JavaScript Programming Language 
Verica Bozic

Verica Bozic is a dedicated educator with over 15 years of experience in preschool education and leadership. As Assistant Director of “Decja radost” in Pancevo (2021–2025), she coordinated educators, improved educational processes, and maintained documentation. Previously, she worked directly with kindergarten children, collaborated with parents and professional services and managed the “Bubamara” kindergarten. Known for strong organizational and communication skills, she thrives both independently and in teams, upholding high professional ethics. She holds a specialist degree in Preparatory Preschool Programs from the Academy of Vocational Studies Sabac and completed training at the Higher School for Education and Training of Educators in Vrsac.

Milana Vojvodic

Graduate Psychologist with nearly 20 years of experience at the preschool institution “Dečja radost” in Pančevo. Serving as a Professional Associate Psychologist, the role involves deep expertise in early childhood development and inclusive practices. A graduate of the University of Belgrade and an active member of the Serbian Psychological Society, with a career-long commitment to professional growth. 

I continuously develop my professional competencies through trainings in early childhood development, includes NTC Learning System, Mind Up, and Affective Attachment, Familly Education Early Childhood Mental Hygiene. As the Coordinator of the Inclusive Education Team, I work closely with children, families, and professionals.  

Through national and international projects, , I view Erasmus+ as a valuable space for shared learning, strengthening inclusive practices and ensuring the sustainable transfer of knowledge to support children’s well-being and development.