National Quality Framework

The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood: A Step Towards a Better Future for Every Child In Bulgaria, there is still a lack of a unified and sustainable policy for early childhood development. Sectors responsible for education, health and social support for children often operate in fragments, and the variety of forms of care is limited and poorly recognised. Therefore, the creation of a National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) is an important step forward. It introduces common standards, quality indicators and support mechanisms that will connect systems and institutions in the best interest of the child.

What is the purpose of the Framework?

• Establishing common principles and standards for quality early childhood care and education
• Fostering cross-sectoral cooperation between institutions, municipalities and professionals
• Introduction of clear indicators for quality control and development
• Standardisation of approaches, programmes and procedures
• Ensuring flexibility and accessibility of services according to the needs of each child and family

Who participates?

The process is implemented with the support of:

• The European Commission
• UNICEF Bulgaria
• Ministry of Education and Science (lead institution)

Representatives of the following are also included:

• State and local administration
• Academia and professional trainers
• Principals, teachers and experts in early childhood
• Non-governmental and civil society organizations

The participation of Rise Bulgaria

Rise Bulgaria Foundation has been part of this process from the very beginning. Our team:

• is among the first in Bulgaria trained under the European Quality Framework
• participates in the creation and piloting of the National Framework
• offers certified training with qualification credits for kindergartens, principals, teachers and other specialists

We believe that the quality of early childhood services should be high, but also flexible to meet the diverse needs of children and families in Bulgaria.

The Five Pillars of Quality

The national framework is based on five key dimensions that ensure a holistic approach:

1. Access to services
2. Professional staff
3. Curriculum
4. Monitoring and evaluation
5. Management and funding

Expected results

• Better coordination between institutions
• Synchronization of legislation and curricula
• Increasing the capacity of municipalities for monitoring and control
• Creating conditions for a sustainable and developing environment for every child

Our advocacy role

Rise Bulgaria Foundation assumes responsibility to support the implementation of the Framework throughout the country. We insist on:

• policies that put the needs of children and families at the centre
• integrating the framework into all forms of care and education
• implementation of solutions in line with the best European practices and scientific evidence

Would you like to learn more about training under the Framework or get involved in its implementation? 📩 Contact us!