Lika Kurtsikidze
At the intersection of research and practice, I dedicate my work to unlocking the creative brilliance of young children by exploring the emotional foundations of learning, growing, and flourishing.
About Me
My professional journey began in one of Georgia’s largest kindergartens—600 children,18 classrooms, place few would call calm. I was their first Special Education Teacher. The expectations were high, and I decided to fully embrace them.
​​​
What was seen as insurmountable problems in educational settings, I started to recognize as the organic rhythm of emotional systems seeking balance. That perspective became the foundation of my work. Over the past decade, I have grown from classroom practitioner to researcher, policy advisor, and education advocate, leading inclusive education initiatives that have reached over 600 schools and 450 kindergartens.
My approach doesn't manage behaviors. Through social and emotional learning, therapeutic play and collaborative parent-teacher strategies, I create the environments where tantrums become communication, chaos becomes creative energy, and withdrawal becomes the beginning of trust.
Experience
Research Experience
My research illuminates the complex realities of how children learn and develop. Having worked with organizations including UNICEF, the World Bank, the Ministry of Education of Georgia, the Ministry of Health of Georgia, USAID, PPMI, Caritas, and World Vision, I have led and contributed to comprehensive studies that capture both quantitative patterns and qualitative insight, enabling me to examine the intricate connections between children's experiences and their developmental outcomes. My findings have shaped national education policies and influenced how these institutions understand and respond to children.
Teaching Experience
As a Program Co-head and Invited Lecturer at Ilia State University, I play a key role in shaping the next generation of educators. I have been instrumental in the foundational design and curriculum development for multiple programs, including the BA in Early Childhood Education and a Special Education Teacher Preparation Program. My responsibilities involve creating and lecturing courses on "Action Research in Early Education," "Inclusive Education Principles," and "Social-Emotional Development."
Psofessional Experience
I have traversed Georgia's educational system from grassroots to policy level, beginning as a psychologist and special education teacher working directly with children in kindergartens and schools, then advancing to develop training programs and educational materials for teachers across regions, before leading nationwide initiatives at the Ministry of Education and Science, ensuring that my frontline classroom insights continuously inform and improve educational policies and curriculum development throughout the country.
Education
Academic Background
PHD in Early Education
MA in Children's Psychological Assessment
MSc in Education and Neuroscience (ongoing)
BA in Psychology
Publications
Academic Articles
Kurtsikidze, L., Steed, E., & Dolidze, K. (2025). The pyramid effect: Reframing parental perceptions and strategies for children's social and emotional development. Problemy Wczesnej Edukacji / Issues in Early Education, 60(1).6
​
Steed, E. A., Dolidze, K., Kukhaleishvili, N., & Kurtsikidze, L. (2023). Supporting young children’s social emotional competence in the Republic of Georgia: a focus group study. Early Child Development and Care, 193(8), 992–1006.
​
Books and Guidelines
Kurtsikidze, L. (2024). Developing social and emotional competencies in school: Supportive approaches (N. Tsintsadze, Scientific Editor). Ilia State University. https://library.iliauni.edu.ge/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/sotsialuri-da-emotsiuri.pdf
Kurtsikidze, L. (2022). Developing students’ social and emotional skills at the basic education level: A practical guide for teachers. Consultation and Training Center (CTC). https://ctcskolalab.ge/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/textbook.pdf
Kurtsikidze, L. (2022). Social and emotional learning. Consultation and Training Center (CTC).
Kurtsikidze, L., & Tkeshelashvili, Sh. (2025). Inclusive education guidebook. Ministry of Education, Science and Youth of Georgia. http://inclusion.ge/res/docs/2025041614015020652.pdf
Kurtsikidze, L., Jijavadze, N., & Bakradze, T. (2022). Kindergarten yard: A guide to the importance and design of outdoor spaces in preschool institutions. World Vision Georgia. ISBN 978-9941-8-4746-2.
Tkeshelashvili, Sh., Kublashvili, B., & Kurtsikidze, L. (2021). Special education teacher’s guidebook. Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia. http://inclusion.ge/res/docs/2022021222004732213.pdf
Kurtsikidze, L., Kublashvili, B., & Niauri, N. (2021). Special education teacher’s portfolio. National Center for Teacher Professional Development. http://inclusion.ge/res/docs/2022013123164480403.pdf
Bagrationi-Gruzinski, M., Tkeshelashvili, Sh., & Kurtsikidze, L. (2021). Inclusive education guidebook: Individualized education plan. Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia & Caritas Georgia. http://inclusion.ge/res/docs/2021090400193979992.pdf
Tsintsadze, N., Kukhalashvili, N., & Kurtsikidze, L. (2020). Recommendations for parents of children under 6 years old. Ministry of Education and Science of Georgia. https://el.ge/articles/537807
Kurtsikidze, L., & Tkeshelashvili, Sh. (2018). Supporting the learning of students with learning disabilities: A guide for parents. Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Georgia. http://inclusion.ge/res/docs/2019012214281522520.pdf
Kurtsikidze, L., & Tkeshelashvili, Sh. (2018). Supporting the development of students with intellectual disabilities: A guide for parents (in Georgian). Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of Georgia. http://inclusion.ge/res/docs/2019012214331889120.pdf
​