Petrińcica kindergarten secured first place in the citizens' vote in the medium-sized town category and third place in the expert jury's assessment in the fifth edition of the best kindergarten selection in Croatia. The plaques were presented on Monday, 13 July, at the local Izvor facility.
The selection is organised by the Gradonačelnik.hr and Načelnik.hr portals, under the patronage of the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth. The director, Jasna Mikulić, received the award from project director Ivan Todorić, who highlighted that interest in the selection is growing year on year and that the awards confirm the quality of the kindergarten's work and its importance to the local community.
Mikulić thanked the citizens for their votes and the staff for their daily work. "This award is the result of the joint effort of all employees – from teachers to the technical staff," the director said. Quality is further confirmed by the kindergarten's status as a practice site for the Faculty of Education at the University of Zagreb and through continuous professional development.
The mayor, Magdalena Komes, recalled that the Izvor facility was among the first to reopen after the earthquake, with five additional groups added shortly after. "Today, the kindergarten serves more than 600 children, which is a source of great joy, as it shows that families are returning to Petrinja and our town is growing again," said Komes. She noted that work is underway to improve spatial conditions, as the current capacity is no longer sufficient.
Petrińc operates across seven locations in the Petrinja area, with more than 600 children distributed across 32 educational groups. In addition to standard programmes, the kindergarten also undertakes international projects and professional activities.
