Post-Conference Site Visit Options on 25 October 

We are excited to offer optional site visits as part of the conference offerings in 2024. These visits offer participants insights into types of services in Bulgaria, such as a kindergarten, a family center, an early childhoood development complex, and an integrated community center. Access to all site visits is included in the conference fee, but registration is required as spaces are limited.

Within Sofia, there are many services for young children you might be interested in visiting. Check out the variety of inspiring field trips listed below. Transportation to each site is provided for participants, please see the logistical information under each site visit.

Timetable

*please note that activities below and sightseeing activities might overlap with each other. Kindly pay attention to activity time in this overview and click the link from this overview for futher information.

• Daily | 10:00 - 18:00 | Muzeiko children's museum
• 07:30 - 10:00 | 90th school “General José de San Martín”
• 08:30 - 10:30 | Kindergarten 109 “Zornitsa”
• 8:30 - 10:30 | For Our Children Early Childhood Development Complex in Sofia - Group 1
• 09:00 - 11:00 | Academy for Early Childhood Development Bobche Topche - Group 1
• 10:30 - 13:00 | Health and Social Development Foundation: Center MIR Papanchev
• 10:30 - 12:30 | For Our Children Early Childhood Development Complex in Sofia - Group 2
• 10:30 - 13:00 | Health and Social Development Foundation: Center MIR Suhodoloska - Group 1  
• 12:30 - 14:30 | Community Center "Svetogled" - Group 1 
• 13:00 - 15:30 | Health and Social Development Foundation: Center MIR Suhodolska - Group 2
• 13:30 - 15:30 | Family Center "Posoka" - Group 1
• 14:30 - 16:30 | Community Center "Svetogled" - Group 2
• 15:00 - 17:00 | Academy for Early Childhood Development Bobche Topche - Group 2
• 15:30 - 17:30 | Family Center "Posoka" - Group 2
• 15:30 - 17:30 | Kindergarten 61 Colorful Rooster

Privacy: During visits, no photographs are to be taken of the children and families. For photos of the facility itself, please ask permission of the contact person on site.

Registration

Each event has a limited number of spots available. Don't miss out - register as soon as possible via the registration form. Register now!   

 

Site Visit Options  

 

Free visit to Muzeiko children's museum | Daily | 10:00 - 18:00

• Duration: plan for 2 to 4 hours 
• Date and time: 22 October and 25 October, 2024 | Opening hours 10:00 – 18:00 
• Location: 3 Professor Boyan Kamenov Str., Sofia 1700 
• Distance from Conference venue: 6 km, 30 min by metro (line M2 National Palace of Culture metro station to Serdica station, change to line M1 Serdica station to G.M.Dimitrov station)
• Price: free of charge entrance with Conference nametag 
• Registration: free entrance is granted to conference participants who bring their Conference nametag and present it at the ticket office. If you would like to visit Muzeiko children`s museum on 22 October, please first complete your conference registration.

Muzeiko is the first interactive children’s science and discovery center in Bulgaria. Мodeled after children's science centers in the U.S., the 3,250 sq.m. facility opened in 2015.  Visitors can explore three levels organized as a journey through time and space with exhibits offering more than 130 interactive games and activities, a maker space, a planetarium and daily workshops program for children aged 2 to 7+.   

Everything in Muzeiko – from the architectural design, through inbuilt energy efficiency solutions, to the space for interactive exhibits, has been designed to encourage children’s curiosity about STEAM. The space design and exhibits content were developed by Bulgarian and international scientists, educators and designers to encourage learning through play and developing of multiple intelligences.  

Jump into another world where kids and adults are free to experiment, learn and have fun through playing and interacting with the exhibits.

 

 

90th school “General José de San Martín

• Time: 07:30-10:00, 25 October (includes organised transportation to and from the site) 

• Distance from Conference Venue: 8,5km (30 min by organized transport). If you would like to join the organized transport, please wait at the pylons in front of the National Palace of Culture, Blvd. Vitosha 104, Sofia at 07:30 

• Max participants: 17 

• Privacy disclaimer (requirements regarding photos or other privacy considerations): Pictures of the facility are allowed; pictures of children are not allowed. 

Nestled in the heart of Lyulin neighborhood in the western outskirts of Sofia, K-12 school “General José de San Martín” works with over 700 students. The school leaders and educators strive to ensure children attend school with joy and are prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. 

At the heart of their approach lies a suite of child-centered initiatives designed to fosters creativity, critical thinking, and engagement among students from an early age. The daily schedule is flexible and incorporates activities like Energy Start and Creativity Blocks that boost students’ concentration and enthusiasm. Lessons are structured into extended 60 min blocks, allowing deeper focus on subjects like math or literacy, followed by creative tasks in areas such as arts and sports.  

Teaching systems like JUMP Math, SOLE (Self-Organized Learning Environment), and suggestopedia are employed to encourage problem-solving, collaboration, and independent thinking. STEM activities are integrated through hands-on projects, promoting interest and practical skills in sciences. A new STEM center specially designed for primary education level spanning 3 floors will open doors in 2025. This dynamic approach not only enhances academic achievement but also improves social interaction and teamwork. The innovative framework helps reduce stress, cultivate social-emotional skills and balance, and motivate students to engage actively in their education. 

A special focus in the school’s approach is also fostering a culture of continuous professional development and reflection. Over the past four years, all educators work in self-initiated professional learning communities focusing on improving teaching practices to enhance student learning outcomes, collaboration, and reflective practice to share strategies and unify quality of instructional practices as well as data-driven planning and decisions. 

 

Kindergarten 109 “Zornitsa”

• Time: 08:30-10:30, 25 October (includes organized transport to and from the site)

• Distance from Conference Venue: 7,1km (30 min by organized transport). If you would like to join the organized transport, please wait at the pylons in front of the National Palace of Culture, Blvd. Vitosha 104, Sofia at 08:30

• Max participants: 17 

Nestled in the heart of a dynamic urban community, “Mladost” (youth) neighborhood, Kindergarten 109 strives to ensure children enjoy a happy childhood and are prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. Supported by a team of professors from the University of Georgetown, in 1994 their dedicated team of educators pioneered the adoption of the Step by Step approach. For over three decades, they have embraced the Step by Step model, fostering a culture of family involvement and community engagement. Driven by their belief in the uniqueness of every child, they champion individualized approaches tailored to the needs of diverse families. Their commitment to continuous improvement drives them to constantly evolve and enhance their skills, ensuring alignment with both the Step by Step philosophy and national standards.

At the heart of their approach lies a suite of family-focused initiatives designed to strengthen bonds and empower parents. Their welcoming family room serves as a nurturing space for meaningful interactions, eschewing formalities in favor of genuine connections. Here, parents and educators come together to discuss children's needs, share insights, and participate in workshops and events aimed at deepening their understanding of early childhood development.

Within their vibrant playrooms, children are encouraged to explore, discover, and grow through a variety of thematic learning centers. From the family center to science, Bulgarian language to mathematics, their curriculum combines directed exercises with free play to ignite curiosity and foster a love of learning. Through hands-on experiences and guided exploration, they nurture each child’s unique talents and interests, laying the foundation for a lifetime of academic success and personal fulfillment.

 

Academy for Early Childhood Development Bobche Topche  

• Time:  09.00-11.00  (group 1) and 15.00-17.00 (group 2), 25 October (includes organised transportation to and from the site) 

• Distance from Conference Venue: 10,5 km (30 min by organized transport). If you would like to join the organized transport, please wait at the pylons in front of the National Palace of Culture, Blvd. Vitosha 104, Sofia at 09:00 and 15:00, respectively 

• Max participants: 15 per group 

• Privacy disclaimer (requirements regarding photos or other privacy considerations): Pictures of the facility are allowed; pictures of children are not allowed. 

At Bobche Topche Private Kindergarten, the educational approach is rooted in the principles of individual psychology and democratic education, with a focus on the Four C's: Connection, Capacity, Courage, and Contribution. Children are nurtured in a cozy environment that fosters connection with peers and educators, encourages independence, and builds confidence through learning from mistakes. Each child is valued and involved in decision-making, promoting responsibility and bravery in facing challenges. The emphasis on cooperation over competition helps children develop strong self-esteem and a belief in their abilities.  

Children experience a diverse and engaging program tailored to their developmental stages. For children under 3, activities focus on daily life, communication, and understanding the world, following the principles of democratic education and Rudolf Dreikurs' social interest theory. For children aged 4-6, the focus shifts to school readiness, incorporating sensory-motor programs and movement to support neurological maturity. Extracurricular activities such as cooking classes, puppet theater, and dance lessons inspire creativity and teamwork, while regular celebrations foster a sense of belonging and cultural understanding. One of Bobche Topche’s founders, Gergana Markova, PhD, is also a co-founder of the Adler Institute Bulgaria, which continues the mission of raising confident, capable children by offering online and in-person training for parents, teachers and other experts on topics focusing on quality parenting, in the spirit of Alfred Adler, the father of individual psychology. 

On this visit, in addition to discovering the unique approach of Bobche Topche Private Kindergarten, you will learn about the various efforts of the government and Sofia municipality to make childcare more affordable in the capital and other large urban centers experiencing a dearth of places in public nursery and kindergarten (which is free of charge).

 

 

 

For Our Children Early Childhood Development Complex in Sofia
by For Our Children Foundation

• Time of visit: before lunch time, 08:30-10:30 (group 1) & 10:30-12:30 (group 2) (includes travel time to & from site) 

• Distance from Conference Venue: 30 min. 

• Max participants site can hold: 17 per group 

• Transportation details: 9,1 km (30 min by organized transport). If you would like to join the organized transport, please wait at the pylons in front of the National Palace of Culture, Blvd. Vitosha 104, Sofia at 8:30 & 10:30 respectively 

• Privacy disclaimer (requirements regarding photos or other privacy considerations): Pictures inside the complex and the yard are allowed, pictures of the users (children and families) are not allowed.  

The Early Childhood Development Complex in Sofia was established with the aim of providing essential support to young children and families in need. It consists of 5 centers that collaborate closely to offer specialized assistance tailored to the specific requirements of children and parents. 

These centers include the Community Support Center “St. Sofia,” which aids families at risk of separation, facing social disadvantages, or dealing with learning and behavioral challenges, among other issues. The Community Support Center “Happy Childhood” focuses on children with special needs due to various conditions, offering training for parents and supporting children in medical settings and residential services. 

The Family-type Accommodation Center “Children's House” provides a safe environment for children aged 0 to 7 who have been separated from their families due to neglect, abuse, or other forms of violence. The Foster Care Center assists children deprived of parental care, with a focus on those aged 0-7, by recruiting and supporting foster families. 

Additionally, the Daycare Center “Development” offers counseling for parents and programs to enhance parenting skills, particularly for children with disabilities.  

Overall, the complex emphasizes the importance of family and aims to ensure a happy childhood for all children through support, care, and love. 

 

 

Health and Social Development Foundation: Center MIR Suhodolska  

• Name of site: HESED’s Center MIR Suhodolska  

• Time of visit: 10:30 – 13:00 (group 1) & 13:00 – 15:30 (group 2) (includes organised transportation to and from the site) 

• Distance from Conference Venue:  6,2 km (30 min by organized transport). 

• Max participants site can hold: 17 per group  

• Transportation details: If you would like to join the organized transport, please wait at the pylons in front of the National Palace of Culture, Blvd. Vitosha 104, Sofia at 10:30 and 13:00 respectively  

• Privacy disclaimer (requirements regarding photos or other privacy considerations): Pictures inside the complex and the yard are allowed, pictures of the users (children and families) are not allowed. 

 

Site description 

Center MIR (Model for Integrated Development) Suhodolska is a community-based integrated social service provider that covers a wide range of activities. Families from the neighborhood can bring their children to engage in play groups applying the Element of Play© program, consult with specialists from different fields, participate in parenting skills classes, cooking demonstrations, financial literacy workshops, etc. Fakulteta’s first children’s playground, built collaboratively between Sofia municipality and the Trust for Social Achievement, is expected to open doors behind our center in the summer of 2024. 

In the MIR center every day about 50 children and their parents prepare for a successful start at school. We offer school support for school-age children, as well as time for board games, health education, social skills and various youth activities, creative workshops, etc.  

The high school students receive mentoring support for continuing education at university, finding a suitable job and career development. In the large hall on the first floor, meetings and information events aimed at the whole community regularly take place. A medical center is also located on the first floor, where a pediatrician and gynecologist provide medical check-ups to the families in the neighborhood. During the visit, participants will have the opportunity to meet home-visiting nurses from the Nurse-Family Partnership program which has operated in the community for 8 years and has supported hundreds of young vulnerable first-time mothers. 

 

Health and Social Development Foundation: Center MIR Papanchev 

• Time of visit: 10:30-13:00 (includes organised transportation to and from the site) 

• Distance from Conference Venue:  6 km (30 min by organized transport). 

• Max participants site can hold: 15 

• Transportation details: If you would like to join the organized transport, please wait at the pylons in front of the National Palace of Culture, Blvd. Vitosha 104, Sofia at 10:30  

Center MIR (Model for Integrated Development) Papanchev, the second location of Center MIR in Fakulteta, is a community-based integrated social service provider that covers a wide range of activities. Families from the neighborhood can bring their children to engage in play groups applying the Element of Play© program, consult with specialists from different fields, participate in parenting skills classes, cooking demonstrations, financial literacy workshops, etc.  

The Centers MIR are a new type of social infrastructure, contributing to the positive development of the whole community, providing important services and programs that support equitable access for those in need. The Centers MIR are located close to where people live – thus they create social and psychological comfort for the people who participate. All services are offered according to the needs and abilities of the users – programs for children and mothers in the morning and for young people and adults in the afternoon and evening. The trained assistants who work in the centers participate in various social, health and educational activities. 

During this visit, participants will be able to get acquainted with the atmosphere, activities and objectives of the first Center MIR which was established by the Health and Social Development Foundation back in 2002 and has since been a vital part of the community in Fakulteta. Participants will also stop by to see Fakulteta’s first children’s playground, built collaboratively between Sofia municipality and the Trust for Social Achievement, expected to soon open doors behind HESED’s MIR Suhodolska center. 

 

Community Center "Svetogled"
by Foundation for Social Change and Inclusion (FSCI)

• Time of visit: 12:30 –14:30 (group 1) & 14:30-16:30 (group 2) 

• Distance from Conference Venue: 6,2 km (30 min by organized transport) 

• Max participants site can hold: 15 

• Transportation details: If you would like to join the organized transport, please wait at the pylons in front of the National Palace of Culture, Blvd. Vitosha 104, Sofia at 12:30 & 14:30 respectively  

• Privacy disclaimer (requirements regarding photos or other privacy considerations): Pictures inside the complex and the yard are allowed, pictures of the users (children and families) are not allowed. 

"Svetogled" (Worldview) community center in Faculteta (the neighborhood housing the largest Roma community in Sofia) opened its doors in 2015. The center offers free community-based educational, psychological, and social services to preschool aged children (3-5 years old), as well as their parents and families.  

The center services are the entry step in FSCI's Early Years Education Programme, which aims to reduce school drop-out rates and increase equitable access to education for Roma students. It provides preschool services while inspiring and motivating parental and family engagement for the long-term involvement of their children in the education system. 

The easily accessible premises and multi-ethnic team of the center provide a safe welcoming space and services tailored to respecting and meeting the cultural and individual needs of children and families from the most marginalized communities. Families from the neighborhood can bring their children daily to interact in small groups, building social and emotional skills needed for successful preschool inclusion and receive support to build their skills to promote educational success.
 

 

 

 

Family Center "Posoka"
by CONCORDIA Bulgaria Foundation

• Time: 13:30 -15:30 (group 1) & 15:30-17:30 (group 2) (includes travel time to & from site)

• Distance from Conference Venue: 4,5 km (20 min by organized transport) 

• Max participants site can hold: 17  

• Transportation details: If you would like to join the organized transport, please wait at the pylons in front of the National Palace of Culture, Blvd. Vitosha 104, Sofia at 13:30  & 15:30 respectively 

• Privacy disclaimer (requirements regarding photos or other privacy considerations): Pictures inside the complex and the yard are allowed, pictures of the users (children and families) are not allowed. 

Posoka Family Center at the CONCORDIA Bulgaria Foundation is designed for children 3-18 years of age from socially neglected, poor families, who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out of school, are living on the streets and/or begging for money, are victims of violence. They welcome children from dysfunctional families and/or victims of deficient environments (be it of household, social or emotional nature), in need of nurture and support in their daily lives.  

Posoka Family Center focuses on educational activities, psychological consulting and support for parents and children, social and family support, and sporting activities. They carry out extensive mobile work and try to be where the need is greatest as well as mediate between people in need and the social, health, and other systems. 

With children before and during early schooling, their educational activities primarily encompass: 1) Facilitation (enrollment in preschools and schools); 2) Support in extracurricular activities; 3) Remedial education; 4) Working with families to increase the likelihood of reintegration into the educational system.

 

Kindergarten 61 Colorful rooster

• Time: 15:30-17:30, 25 October (includes organised transportation to and from the site) 

• Distance from Conference Venue: 7,1km (30 min by organized transport). If you would like to join the organized transport, please wait at the pylons in front of the National Palace of Culture, Blvd. Vitosha 104, Sofia at 15:30 

• Max participants: 17  

• Privacy disclaimer (requirements regarding photos or other privacy considerations): Pictures of the facility are allowed; pictures of children are not allowed. 

Kindergarten 61 Colorful rooster is a publicly funded preschool education facility attended by over 300 children, almost 10% of which have special education needs. 

The continued shortage of publicly funded kindergarten places in the capital city puts enrollment rather than process quality in the spotlight of the public discourse on early learning. KG61 has employed a nonstandard approach towards process quality improvement by attracting young professionals, implementing different forms of group learning and financial incentives for teachers, and fostering a welcoming environment to involve parents in the life of the kindergarten. Parents are engaged through regular communication, and engaging parents in both educational and extracurricular activities. The kindergarten provides opportunities for parents to volunteer in the classroom, assist with organizing events, contribute to fundraising activities and the improvement of the learning environment, and increase their engagement in their child's learning process. KG61 manages to navigate onerous regulation on early care and education by placing the child’s needs and wishes at the center, an impressive achievement given large group sizes and high child-to-teacher ratios that are typical of Sofia’s publicly funded kindergartens.