The Small Kindergarten is a Big Opportunity

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 concret...

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.

The project followed a structured sequence of activities: three international project meetings; analysis and presentation of Austrian public-private kindergarten models with translation of the legislative framework; a study visit to Vienna to observe existing small kindergartens in practice; development of a bilingual internet platform to host project results and foster communication; drafting of two manuals outlining adapted Bulgarian models and supporting legal regulations; and a national survey involving 183 education experts to evaluate and refine the proposed models. The final phase included a dissemination and publicity campaign with four round-table seminars in Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv, and Ruse, complemented by wide media coverage and promotion through the European School Education Platform.

The main tangible results include: (1) a comprehensive analysis of Austrian small kindergarten models with translated legislation; (2) two manuals detailing adapted Bulgarian public-private models, including regulatory and financial frameworks; (3) a national survey report with recommendations from 183 experts; (4) a bilingual online platform with all project outputs accessible to stakeholders in Bulgaria and across the EU; and (5) three finalized legal proposals to support the implementation of small kindergartens. Additional outcomes were the strengthened cooperation between partners, increased capacity of educators and municipal experts, and greater public awareness through extensive dissemination. The project thus created both practical tools and institutional knowledge to address the shortage of kindergarten places.