Organisational Variations and Alternative Structures in ECEC

While Bulgaria operates a unified national system for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC), the law provides flexibility for various organizational forms to meet diverse educational and social needs.

1. Pedagogical Flexibility

Kindergartens and school-based preschool groups are permitted to implement diverse pedagogical systems and innovative teaching methods. These variations must comply with state educational standards and are integrated into the existing institutional framework rather than existing as separate legal categories.

2. Specialized Support and Inclusion

To ensure equal access, the system includes specific organizational structures:

• Specialized Groups: Established within mainstream kindergartens for children with specific health needs or disabilities, providing an adapted environment and specialized care.
• Inclusive Teams: Mobile teams of specialists, including psychologists and resource teachers, support the integration of children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) into standard groups.

3. Innovative Status

Institutions may apply for the official status of an "Innovative Kindergarten." This designation allows for greater autonomy in developing new teaching models, modifying the school day, and implementing custom curricula approved by the Ministry of Education and Science.

4. Attendance Formats

Depending on local capacity and parental preference, ECEC can be organized into different formats: Full-day (standard comprehensive care), Half-day (focusing on core instructional hours), or Hourly/Optional attendance for younger children.