ASSESSING THE QUALITY OF PRE-SCHOOL ESTABLISHMENTS IN ESTONIA

The article describes theoretically the quality evaluation system of pre-school establishments in Estonia. According to the constitution of the Republic of Estonia (1992) the education is under the state surveillance. When in earlier years the state surveillance was performed in all the pre-school establishments at least once in six years, then since 2006 an internal assessment obligation was established in the pre-school establishments and the counselling on internal assessment issues shall be ensured on the state level. That means that the personnel of the pre-school establishments can plan and analyse their operation in all the areas, co-operate with interest groups and collect feedback from them about the performance of their work. The basis of the assessment is internal assessment criteria, the compiling of which has followed the principles of Total Quality Management. The internal assessment of pre-school establishments is supported by external assessment system, the aim of which is to support and counsel the development activity of the pre-school establishments. The article gives overview about opportunities and problems of quality measurement in pre-school establishments in Estonia.