In article the relevance of innovations in upbringing is proved from the modern positions, the essence of innovations is opened, functions are described and their types are proved. It’s given the clear uderstanding of the category «innovations in upbringing » which are considered as the end result of the innovative activity realized in the form of a new or advanced educational process, an educational product, an educational service. The Functions of innovations are described: the embodiment channel in life of human intelligence achievements; the circle of made services extends, improves their quality; they are involved in new productive forces; the concentration of innovations helps to give reproduction structure in this or that sphere. The author opens 3 criteria innovations in upbringing