Since 2010, April 21 has been a state-recognized holiday for nursery professionals; it is a workday without childcare duties, primarily intended for professional development. This day provides an opportunity to commemorate the founding of the first Hungarian nursery on April 21, 1852, as well as all the professionals—educators, administrators, and researchers—who have been involved in the education and care of young children ever since.

This year, our commemoration took place on April 20 in collaboration with the Department of Hungarian Language and Literature, Department of Education, and with the Department of Natural Sciences. The event was opened by Dean Dr. habil. Éva Márkus.

This year, it was a particular honor to welcome children’s book author, illustrator, and environmentalist Csilla Gévai, who presented her enchanting storybooks. In her presentation, she provided both knowledge and methodological guidance, thus contributing in an inspiring way to the professional development of the participants.

The program continued with Krisztina Csobay, president of the Zöldövezet Társulás Egyesület (Green Zone Association), presenting her organization’s activities. As part of the presentation, Orsolya Babos, a daycare center director, demonstrated how sustainability principles can be implemented in the practice of daycare education and care, with a particular focus on opportunities for environmentally conscious operations.

To conclude the event, Dr. Ágnes Nyitrai, a former faculty member of our department and currently a professor at the Apor Vilmos Katolikus Főiskola (Apor Vilmos Catholic College), presented her extensive research titled “Monitoring the Development of Young Children in Nursery: The Child Development Questionnaire.”

Participants were treated to informative and professionally outstanding presentations throughout the day.

Organizers: Dr. Anna Bereczkiné Záluszki, Judit Koósné Sinkó, Dr. Mónika Sándor, and Beáta Venyingi.

The event was supported by the NKA.