The project aimed to examine and adapt effective Austrian models of public-private small kindergartens (Tagesmutter, Kindergruppe, Kindergarten) to the Bulgarian context. By developing two concrete partnership models supported by legal and regulatory frameworks, the project sought to increase access to preschool education, relieve overcrowding in existing institutions, and support families with young children. In parallel, we aimed to strengthen cooperation between municipalities, educators, and entrepreneurs interested in establishing new kindergartens, while raising awareness among parents and the public. The long-term goal is to support more inclusive, high-quality early childhood education systems and to enable parents to re-enter the labour market, contributing to both social integration and economic growth.
For more than 20 years Sofia has faced a serious shortage of kindergarten places. Each year around 12,000 children are left without access to early childhood education, forcing families either to keep a parent at home, hire expensive private care, or rely on overcrowded groups in municipal institutions. This situation harms children’s development, limits parents’ employment opportunities, and creates long-term social inequalities. Similar shortages exist in other Bulgarian municipalities such as Plovdiv and Varna. At the same time, innovative and successful public-private models are already in place in EU countries, notably Austria, where different types of small kindergartens operate effectively and are widely accepted by parents. Our project was initiated to transfer and adapt these proven models to the Bulgarian context, thereby offering sustainable solutions for municipalities, supporting parents’ participation in the labour market, and improving access to quality preschool education.