The article discusses the concept of engineering and polytechnic education, the main modern models for the implementation of engineering and polytechnic education in the system of basic and additional education. The content of polytechnic training at various levels of the basic education system (preschool education, primary general education, basic general education, secondary general education), the features of the implementation of technological profile education, the directions of engineering and polytechnic training in the system of additional education through the organization of group classes with children are described (basics of initial modeling, paper plastic, ship modeling, car modeling, aircraft modeling, circuit design, Cuboro construction, robotics, 3D modeling, algorithmic and programming), the advantages of an integrated model. The factors determining the choice of the educational model of engineering and polytechnic education of children are indicated (the social request of the region, public organizations, surrounding manufacturing enterprises, parents, students; the material and technical support of the educational institution; the level of professional readiness of the teaching staff to implement the direction).