Are Kyiv Kindergartens Forcing Parents to Do Renovations? The Legal Question.

Parental Concerns Over Kindergarten Renovation Demands

According to TSN.ua: Parents of children attending a kindergarten in Kyiv's Dniprovskyi district are raising alarms over being pressured to perform renovation work at the facility. Educators have reportedly demanded that parents assist with tasks like painting walls, moving furniture, and other maintenance jobs. This has sparked outrage among families, as under current Ukrainian law, parents are not obligated to participate in renovating educational institutions. Such demands place an unfair burden on families already navigating the challenges of early childhood education.

Systemic Issues in Preschool Education

According to available information, in 2026, the Educational Ombudsman's Service received six complaints from parents regarding extortions and demands for money in preschool institutions. This points to a systemic problem requiring attention from the relevant authorities. As Olena Bokhno stated,

"parents have rights and responsibilities in the sphere of preschool education"

Critically, according to Part 6 of Article 25 of Ukraine's Law 'On Education', the founder of an educational institution is obligated to ensure the maintenance and development of its material and technical base. This means renovation work should be funded by the institution itself, not fall on the shoulders of parents. Nadiia Leshchyk noted that parents can file complaints, particularly with the community's education management body, which may help resolve the issue.

The situation at the kindergarten in Dniprovskyi district has prompted discussion among parents and experts, who call for strict adherence to education legislation. Issues related to forced renovation work require urgent resolution, as parents have the right to proper conditions for their children's upbringing.

This case reflects a broader problem faced by parents in various regions of Ukraine, where demands to participate in funding or performing renovations at educational institutions arise. It is vital for the relevant education authorities to monitor compliance with the law and protect parental rights, as this issue directly impacts the quality of preschool education and the conditions in which children are raised. Supporting parents in such situations can help reduce instances of coercion and improve the overall state of the educational system.