A delegation from Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy took part in the international scientific conference “Modern Approaches in Speech Therapy and Psycho-Pedagogical Counselling”, which was held from May 23 to 25 at Transilvania University (Brașov, Romania).

BKNUC delegation included Head of the Department of Primary and Special Education, Doctor of Pedagogical Sciences, Professor Tetiana Zorochkina, Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, academic program guarantor of the EPP (Educational and Professional Program) “Speech Therapy” in the A6 “Special Education” specialty Inna Lytvyn, and Lecturer at the Department of Primary and Special Education Daryna Zdir.

The organizers aimed to create a professional platform for dialogue among experts in the field of special education, psychology, speech therapy, psycho-pedagogical counselling, and special psycho-pedagogy, facilitating the international exchange of best practices.

The conference began with a roundtable discussion on “Effectiveness of Legislative Regulations in the Field of Educational Policy in the Modern Context”.

The speakers of the panel discussion on the topic “Engagement, Not Just Correction: The Impact of New Technologies in Psycho-Pedagogical Intervention” were Cristina Marin, Inspector of the Ministry of Education and Research of Romania, Public Policy Unit, Mihai Văsii Cătălin, Prefect of Brașov County, Adrian Veștea, President of Brașov County Council, George Scripcaru, Mayor of Brașov Municipality, Florin Tripșa, Professor, Chief School Inspector of Brașov County School Inspectorate, Ana-Maria Cazan, Associate Professor, Doctor of Science at Transilvania University of Brașov, Ovidiu Herciu, Psychologist, President of the Brașov Branch of the College of Psychologists in Romania, Veronica Jardan, Psychologist of the Association of Certified Psychologists in Romania, Daniel Tața, Professor, Director of the Brașov County Resource and Educational Assistance Center.

During the conference, Tetiana Zorochkina presented Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy as a classical university of central Ukraine, which is an important educational, scientific, and cultural center of the region. This marked the beginning of international cooperation with the Brașov County Resource and Educational Assistance Center. The cooperation agreement was officially signed by Oleksandr Cherevko, Rector of Bohdan Khmelnytsky National University of Cherkasy, and Daniel Tața, Director of the Brașov County Resource and Educational Assistance Center.

The signed agreement represents an important step towards strengthening international cooperation in the field of education, developing innovative approaches, and exchanging experience between Ukraine and Romania.

The practical part of the conference was held in the form of workshops and trainings. Tetiana Zorochkina and Inna Lytvyn were the speakers at a workshop on the topic “Effective Partnership for Success: Interaction of School, Family, and Community in the Educational Process of Children with Special Educational Needs” (interpreted by Daryna Zdir). The scholars shared valuable experience of successful cooperation among speech therapists, parents, educators, and the community to provide comprehensive support for children with speech development disorders. Participants of the training had the opportunity to experience firsthand how much depends on team interaction, the ability to listen to one another, and act together.

On May 25, in-depth and extremely beneficial trainings were held, focusing on the current aspects of the work of a speech therapist teacher with children with special educational needs. Key topics included counselling, educational intervention, and speech therapy.

Notably, participation in the conference contributed to establishing professional contacts, exchanging experience, and presenting the achievements of Ukrainian educational science at the international level. Engagement in scientific discussions, practical workshops, and thematic trainings allowed not only to deepen professional knowledge, but also to launch new vectors of international cooperation.

The Department of Primary and Special Education