No More Summer Closures: Sofia Municipality Prioritizes Continuous Childcare

In a notable shift, Sofia’s municipal kindergartens will remain open throughout the summer months, addressing a long-standing challenge for working parents. The Sofia Municipality has clarified that there is no legal basis for the widespread practice of closing kindergartens between June 1st and September 14th. This decision aims to provide consistent childcare and alleviate the difficulties faced by families who rely on these services.

the Legal Framework: Year-Round Preschool education

According to the Law on Preschool and School Education and Ordinance No. 5 of 2016, preschool education spans a full 12 months, encompassing both school and non-teaching periods. This legal framework mandates that kindergartens should operate continuously throughout the year, ensuring consistent access to early childhood education.

This move aligns Sofia with other European capitals where continuous childcare is the norm. Such as,in Stockholm,Sweden,municipal preschools are open year-round,with only brief closures for staff training days,demonstrating a commitment to supporting working families.

Addressing Parental Concerns: The End of “On-Duty” Kindergartens

The decision also addresses the frequent complaints from parents regarding the practice of transferring children to “on-duty” kindergartens with mixed-age groups during the summer. The municipality emphasizes that this practice lacks regulatory support and disrupts the continuity of care for young children.

Leaving children on-duty in kindergartens working with meeting groups from the area is not provided for in a normative act.

Exceptions: Major Overhauls Only

The only exception to this new policy is in cases of major repairs or renovations that necessitate the temporary closure of a kindergarten. In such instances, the municipality stresses the importance of providing timely and clear data to parents to avoid any inconvenience or disruption.

It is permissible to temporarily close a kindergarten only with a major overhaul, in which the children need to be moved.In such cases, the information must be provided in a timely manner in order not to abuse the reasons.

The municipality has pledged to closely monitor compliance with this policy and will rely on district administrations to provide up-to-date information on any planned repair activities.

Looking Ahead: Internships and Enhanced Support

To further support the operation of kindergartens during the summer months, a program for student internships is anticipated. This initiative aims to provide additional support to kindergarten staff and enhance the quality of care provided to children.

This initiative could draw inspiration from prosperous models in other countries.As a notable example, Germany’s “Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr” (Voluntary social year) program places young adults in social service roles, including childcare, providing valuable support to institutions and offering young people practical experience.

Impact on Working families

The decision to keep Sofia’s kindergartens open throughout the summer is expected to have a significant positive impact on working families, particularly those who lack extended vacation time or readily available childcare support from relatives. This policy change reflects a growing recognition of the importance of accessible and consistent childcare in supporting a thriving workforce and promoting economic stability.