The Ruse family centre for early childhood development was created as a part of a project, funded by The Velux Foundations, Denmark and as a response to the needs and aspirations of families with small children.
In very simple terms, our aim is to help parents (caregivers) be the best they can in their roles as mothers and fathers.
Our first steps in the context of the project included extensive talks with mums and dads to make sure our future actions will be meaningful and valuable.
The parents shared that they would like
Easy access to advisors and resources
A comfortable, welcoming and friendly atmosphere that gives the feeling of community and shared values
Spontaneous and positive communication and informal interaction
To have the opportunity to actively participate
In order to meet those expectations, we drew inspiration from two sources, and as a result we created a centre that is the first in its kind on the Balkans.
1. Swedish family centres
We have had excellent working relationships with Vibeke Bing for years. She is one of the pioneers of the Swedish system. She has visited Bulgaria and is our consultant.
In addition, our team visited two of the oldest family centres in Gothenburg and has worked in cooperation with the managers of the centres and the management of the National Association of Family Centres as well as with three universities – Gothenburg, Lund and Kristianstad.
Family centres function within the framework of Healthcare and offer pre- and postnatal care for babies and their parents. Not all components of the Swedish family centres are relevant to our project but we were very interested in one in particular, called “Open playgroup for children under the age of seven and their parents”. This playgroup encourages “play, pedagogical activities and social exchange”. The children are accompanied by their parents or other caregivers. This is the model that we adapted here in Bulgaria.
We learnt a lot about the management and the practical (organizational) aspects. The form “open playgroup” gives a lot of opportunities for “spontaneous” interaction with the children and their parents, regular informal meetings, in which various experts on early childhood development and education take part.
We used two key documents in the context of the Swedish model:
1.1.ic Bold Bold Italic ”An Evaluation of Family Centres in Region Vastra Gotaland, Sweden” Abrahamsson, Bing & Lofstrom: www.vgregion.se/upload/Folkhälsa/…/Family%20centre.pdf)
1.2. Bold Bold Italic Italic “Curriculum for the Preschool Lpfo 98, Revised 2010” (http://www.skolverket.se/om-skolverket/publikationer/visa-enskild-publikation)
2.rosoft New Tai Lue Boldue Boldgspa.ttfrosof葵程ѐ耀agsPagspab.ttfrosoft PhagsPa Boldoldross.ttfrosoft Sans Seriffle.ttf Cowgate Under 5s Centre, Edinburgh, Scotland
Cowgate Under 5s Centre is a kindergarten, considered to be one of the best in Europe. Using a modern interpretation of Friedrich Froebel’s principles, Cowgate offers an environment for learning, development and care that corresponds to international standards for the so called “developmentally appropriate practice”. Our team visited Cowgate several times and the Scottish colleagues visited Bulgaria and helped us to develop the interior design of our centre.
Through Cowgate, we established close relationships with Edinburgh University. We share information for developmentally appropriate practice. We work closely with the Scottish organisation “Children in Scotland” – a network of organisations. This gives us access to information and to debates and opinions about policies for early childhood development and education in Scotland and other European countries.
We focus on “developmentally appropriate practice”:
In 2006, Dr. Christine Stephen from Stirling University’s Institute of Education compiled a report for the Scottish Executive named “Early Years Education: Perspectives from a Review of the International Literature”.
It is important to clarify that the expression “early years education” is used to refer to “group out-of-home provision designed to support learning and development for children in the period before they begin primary school”. There is a specific curriculum or educational framework – “an organized programme of activities, opportunities and interactions that is usually derived from some explicit or implicit ideological or theoretical understanding about how children learn”.
While acknowledging the potential impact of social, political or economic factors on early years’ policy development, Dr. Stephen refers to a consensus view in the USA that extends to the UK – Developmentally Appropriate Practice. The Swedish curriculum is described as a particular adaptation of developmentally appropriate practice.
Dr. Stephen refers to the emergence of common themes in discussion of educational practice, namely:
A focus on individual development
An emphasis on child-initiated learning as opposed to learning that is adult-directed
Children are active agents and not passive recipients
Children are seen as competent learners rather than immature adults
Children have a right to be heard and the right to choose
Learning is shaped by context and community
The child participates in constructing the learning experience with adults and peers
Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Developmentally Appropriate Practice is characterized by:
A balance between the child’s self-initiated learning and adult guidance
The opportunity for children to make meaningful choices among activities offered
Scope to explore / experiment through dynamic engagement
A blend of small group, whole group and individual activities
Play as a primary (but not necessarily exclusive) medium for learning
Adults, who demonstrate, question, model, suggest alternatives and prompt reflection
Systematic observation of learning and behaviour
A core principle that seems to pervade the list above is expressed in a 2010 report by the UK Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology. It drew the conclusion that Sensory, cognitive and linguistic development in young children depended primarily on play, exploration and the style of communication and interaction that play provides and NOT direct instruction.
In 2018 The World Bank published a report, titled “Learning (to Realize Education’s Promise)’. It contains a short paragraph about “the biology of learning” that says: “A child’s brain absorbs information most effectively through exploration, play and interaction with caring adults and peers. Because of this receptivity, preschool programs should concentrate on building foundational skills through developmentally appropriate program structures that emphasize play and interactions.”
In our centre we have created a stimulating environment, which supports children’s autonomy (self-reliance), because it encourages free play and exploration.
Model for action
Family interactive centre “In the world of early childhood development”
Thematic area of the services
Integrated services for young children and their parents, related to development, health and education of young children + parental capacity of the adults
Target groups
Users Expectant mothers and their partners
All parents of preschoolers with a focus on vulnerable groups (e.g. single parents, teenage parents, parents in social isolation, adoptive parents, foster parents, parents of children with special needs)
Children 0 to 7
Activities within the service
Currently the child protection departments can be alerted if there is a risk for young children; the reports are made by experts, working in two sectors –
Healthcare (maternity units / general practitioners / nurseries)
Education (kindergartens and preschool groups)
We offer a universal / open (public, generally available) service that will fill the gap between the institutions and the child protection services.
Equilibrium created a “meeting place” for families with children in early and preschool age. Parents and children visit the centre together. The children play freely and the parents talk among themselves and to experts on subjects, relating to child development and education and positive parenting. The multidisciplinary team carries out a number of activities –
Encouraging developmentally appropriate practice
Providing guidance and advice
Interacting, observing and reacting to indications of difficulties and problems in the family
Helping parents find friends and creating a network of acquaintances
Cooperating with other social services for children and families + nurseries and kindergartens
Referring parents to the appropriate specialists
Location
Currently, with the financial support of The Velux Foundations, Equilibrium sets the beginning of this approach in our own centre for early childhood development in Ruse. This guarantees that the family support offered, which is generally available, will be clearly distinguished (on the basis of its location) from the child protection services, aimed at children at risk.
This also allows the centre to have a dual function –
For children – rich and varied opportunities for play, exploration and interaction
For adults – space, design and resources that encourage informal interaction and group sessions
However, it is possible for the service to be offered as part of the work on early intervention and prevention of the centres for social support (where the relevant experts are). This will lead to the integration of families, referred by the child protection departments, with members of public.
Equilibrium adopts the same approach in mobile playgroups in marginalized neighbourhoods in order to develop parenting skills for stimulation of cognitive, social and emotional development of children and to adequately meet their health needs. The interactive activities of parents and children, facilitated by specialists, are very popular among these socially disadvantaged groups. The parents surprise us with their care for their children, the craving for knowledge about positive parenting and creative performance of household tasks.
Anticipated effect of the service
Short-term / medium-term plan: better direction of child protection activities and creation of a “safety net” for all parents with young children
If the maternity units recommend the service to the new parents, this creates a formula for insurance, a sensitive system for risk prevention as well as an opportunity for the experts to react to early warning signs on the basis of intensive interaction with the families and close observation. The intervention will be well planned, precise and relevant. The new service makes it possible to develop a network for support (associates and specialists) for those users of the new service, who are facing serious difficulties.
Parents, defined as “vulnerable” (e.g. single mothers, teenage mothers, families with low or unstable income), who choose not to use the universal service, are referred and considered as a priority group for the child protection services.
Influence: Better “visibility” of families with young children in the community. Those, who need support and advice, can be observed while they use the new service. The parents from the vulnerable groups, who refuse to use the new service, are registered and observed by the child protection services.
Impact: Better return on financial investments in early years care and education + child protection
Long-term: Helping to reduce the stress factors in the families, we will witness greater resilience in children, entering the educational system and better self-regulation among these young students. Better physical and psychological health among young children.
Impact: There would be gradual improvement of the children’s school performance indicators
The health status indicators will improve
What makes it innovative – The creation of this service requires the adaptation of a Swedish model – an Open Preschool (main part of family centres). The main features of this service are new to Bulgaria –
A multidisciplinary team that focuses on early childhood development, positive parenting and professional support which optimizes this development
An environment in which families that use the service are not judged or condemned
Easy access to consultants and resources (open door policy, flexibility, a contemporary platform for communication, a continuous program of workgroups and discussions, opportunities for referral of users to other sources of support / expertise, evening or weekend sessions)
Convenient, cozy and friendly meeting place, designed and equipped to play a dual role (see above)
Intentional focus on informal interaction
Opportunity for active participation of parents in order to create a social network
Dynamic support for parents with an emphasis on demonstration and discussion (play sessions, coffee mornings, discussion groups, seminars and workgroups) and not on instruction
The space for play and interaction of children, parents and experts was inspired by Scottish centres and kindergartens, which adopt a modern version of Friedrich Froebel’s pedagogical approach as well as contemporary understanding of play with loose parts – resources for heuristic play that encourages autonomy, creativity, problem solving, risk assessment, cooperation with other children. In the family centre only natural materials are being used – wood, textile, etc. There are separate thematic corners – “Music”, “Our house”, “Construction”, “Messy play” with water, sand, mud, straw, leaves and sticks, “The nest”, “A quiet corner” for reading and storytelling, “Art” with painting, playdough and cookie baking. Children choose where to play and what with, led by their natural curiosity and interests. Adults will only interfere if needed. Children’s experience is complimented by the projection of pictures and videos of nature, the seasons, the animal world which encourage simulation games, storytelling and the invention of stories. The experts observe, interact and guide the parents in a perfectly natural and delicate in the context of play way.
Basic resource materials There is an extensive library, full of information – books, reports, films.
Two EQ publications are used
A personal diary of the mother and child ()
A guide to the world of positive parenting ()
As well as UNICEF’s Early learning and development standards ()
Family interactive centre “In the world of early childhood development”
Thematic area of the services
Integrated services for young children and their parents, related to development, health and education of young children + parental capacity of the adults
Target groups
Users Expectant mothers and their partners
All parents of preschoolers with a focus on vulnerable groups (e.g. single parents, teenage parents, parents in social isolation, adoptive parents, foster parents, parents of children with special needs)
Children 0 to 7
Activities within the service
Currently the child protection departments can be alerted if there is a risk for young children; the reports are made by experts, working in two sectors –
Healthcare (maternity units / general practitioners / nurseries)
Education (kindergartens and preschool groups)
We offer a universal / open (public, generally available) service that will fill the gap between the institutions and the child protection services.
Equilibrium created a “meeting place” for families with children in early and preschool age. Parents and children visit the centre together. The children play freely and the parents talk among themselves and to experts on subjects, relating to child development and education and positive parenting. The multidisciplinary team carries out a number of activities –
Encouraging developmentally appropriate practice
Providing guidance and advice
Interacting, observing and reacting to indications of difficulties and problems in the family
Helping parents find friends and creating a network of acquaintances
Cooperating with other social services for children and families + nurseries and kindergartens
Referring parents to the appropriate specialists
Location
Currently, with the financial support of The Velux Foundations, Equilibrium sets the beginning of this approach in our own centre for early childhood development in Ruse. This guarantees that the family support offered, which is generally available, will be clearly distinguished (on the basis of its location) from the child protection services, aimed at children at risk.
This also allows the centre to have a dual function –
For children – rich and varied opportunities for play, exploration and interaction
For adults – space, design and resources that encourage informal interaction and group sessions
However, it is possible for the service to be offered as part of the work on early intervention and prevention of the centres for social support (where the relevant experts are). This will lead to the integration of families, referred by the child protection departments, with members of public.
Equilibrium adopts the same approach in mobile playgroups in marginalized neighbourhoods in order to develop parenting skills for stimulation of cognitive, social and emotional development of children and to adequately meet their health needs. The interactive activities of parents and children, facilitated by specialists, are very popular among these socially disadvantaged groups. The parents surprise us with their care for their children, the craving for knowledge about positive parenting and creative performance of household tasks.
Anticipated effect of the service
Short-term / medium-term plan: better direction of child protection activities and creation of a “safety net” for all parents with young children
If the maternity units recommend the service to the new parents, this creates a formula for insurance, a sensitive system for risk prevention as well as an opportunity for the experts to react to early warning signs on the basis of intensive interaction with the families and close observation. The intervention will be well planned, precise and relevant. The new service makes it possible to develop a network for support (associates and specialists) for those users of the new service, who are facing serious difficulties.
Parents, defined as “vulnerable” (e.g. single mothers, teenage mothers, families with low or unstable income), who choose not to use the universal service, are referred and considered as a priority group for the child protection services.
Influence: Better “visibility” of families with young children in the community. Those, who need support and advice, can be observed while they use the new service. The parents from the vulnerable groups, who refuse to use the new service, are registered and observed by the child protection services.
Impact: Better return on financial investments in early years care and education + child protection
Long-term: Helping to reduce the stress factors in the families, we will witness greater resilience in children, entering the educational system and better self-regulation among these young students. Better physical and psychological health among young children.
Impact: There would be gradual improvement of the children’s school performance indicators
The health status indicators will improve
What makes it innovative – The creation of this service requires the adaptation of a Swedish model – an Open Preschool (main part of family centres). The main features of this service are new to Bulgaria –
A multidisciplinary team that focuses on early childhood development, positive parenting and professional support which optimizes this development
An environment in which families that use the service are not judged or condemned
Easy access to consultants and resources (open door policy, flexibility, a contemporary platform for communication, a continuous program of workgroups and discussions, opportunities for referral of users to other sources of support / expertise, evening or weekend sessions)
Convenient, cozy and friendly meeting place, designed and equipped to play a dual role (see above)
Intentional focus on informal interaction
Opportunity for active participation of parents in order to create a social network
Dynamic support for parents with an emphasis on demonstration and discussion (play sessions, coffee mornings, discussion groups, seminars and workgroups) and not on instruction
The space for play and interaction of children, parents and experts was inspired by Scottish centres and kindergartens, which adopt a modern version of Friedrich Froebel’s pedagogical approach as well as contemporary understanding of play with loose parts – resources for heuristic play that encourages autonomy, creativity, problem solving, risk assessment, cooperation with other children. In the family centre only natural materials are being used – wood, textile, etc. There are separate thematic corners – “Music”, “Our house”, “Construction”, “Messy play” with water, sand, mud, straw, leaves and sticks, “The nest”, “A quiet corner” for reading and storytelling, “Art” with painting, playdough and cookie baking. Children choose where to play and what with, led by their natural curiosity and interests. Adults will only interfere if needed. Children’s experience is complimented by the projection of pictures and videos of nature, the seasons, the animal world which encourage simulation games, storytelling and the invention of stories. The experts observe, interact and guide the parents in a perfectly natural and delicate in the context of play way.
Basic resource materials There is an extensive library, full of information – books, reports, films.
Two EQ publications are used
A personal diary of the mother and child ()
A guide to the world of positive parenting ()
As well as UNICEF’s Early learning and development standards ()
Family interactive centre “In the world of early childhood development”
Thematic area of the services
Integrated services for young children and their parents, related to development, health and education of young children + parental capacity of the adults
Target groups
Users Expectant mothers and their partners
All parents of preschoolers with a focus on vulnerable groups (e.g. single parents, teenage parents, parents in social isolation, adoptive parents, foster parents, parents of children with special needs)
Children 0 to 7
Activities within the service
Currently the child protection departments can be alerted if there is a risk for young children; the reports are made by experts, working in two sectors –
Healthcare (maternity units / general practitioners / nurseries)
Education (kindergartens and preschool groups)
We offer a universal / open (public, generally available) service that will fill the gap between the institutions and the child protection services.
Equilibrium created a “meeting place” for families with children in early and preschool age. Parents and children visit the centre together. The children play freely and the parents talk among themselves and to experts on subjects, relating to child development and education and positive parenting. The multidisciplinary team carries out a number of activities –
Encouraging developmentally appropriate practice
Providing guidance and advice
Interacting, observing and reacting to indications of difficulties and problems in the family
Helping parents find friends and creating a network of acquaintances
Cooperating with other social services for children and families + nurseries and kindergartens
Referring parents to the appropriate specialists
Location
Currently, with the financial support of The Velux Foundations, Equilibrium sets the beginning of this approach in our own centre for early childhood development in Ruse. This guarantees that the family support offered, which is generally available, will be clearly distinguished (on the basis of its location) from the child protection services, aimed at children at risk.
This also allows the centre to have a dual function –
For children – rich and varied opportunities for play, exploration and interaction
For adults – space, design and resources that encourage informal interaction and group sessions
However, it is possible for the service to be offered as part of the work on early intervention and prevention of the centres for social support (where the relevant experts are). This will lead to the integration of families, referred by the child protection departments, with members of public.
Equilibrium adopts the same approach in mobile playgroups in marginalized neighbourhoods in order to develop parenting skills for stimulation of cognitive, social and emotional development of children and to adequately meet their health needs. The interactive activities of parents and children, facilitated by specialists, are very popular among these socially disadvantaged groups. The parents surprise us with their care for their children, the craving for knowledge about positive parenting and creative performance of household tasks.
Anticipated effect of the service
Short-term / medium-term plan: better direction of child protection activities and creation of a “safety net” for all parents with young children
If the maternity units recommend the service to the new parents, this creates a formula for insurance, a sensitive system for risk prevention as well as an opportunity for the experts to react to early warning signs on the basis of intensive interaction with the families and close observation. The intervention will be well planned, precise and relevant. The new service makes it possible to develop a network for support (associates and specialists) for those users of the new service, who are facing serious difficulties.
Parents, defined as “vulnerable” (e.g. single mothers, teenage mothers, families with low or unstable income), who choose not to use the universal service, are referred and considered as a priority group for the child protection services.
Influence: Better “visibility” of families with young children in the community. Those, who need support and advice, can be observed while they use the new service. The parents from the vulnerable groups, who refuse to use the new service, are registered and observed by the child protection services.
Impact: Better return on financial investments in early years care and education + child protection
Long-term: Helping to reduce the stress factors in the families, we will witness greater resilience in children, entering the educational system and better self-regulation among these young students. Better physical and psychological health among young children.
Impact: There would be gradual improvement of the children’s school performance indicators
The health status indicators will improve
What makes it innovative – The creation of this service requires the adaptation of a Swedish model – an Open Preschool (main part of family centres). The main features of this service are new to Bulgaria –
A multidisciplinary team that focuses on early childhood development, positive parenting and professional support which optimizes this development
An environment in which families that use the service are not judged or condemned
Easy access to consultants and resources (open door policy, flexibility, a contemporary platform for communication, a continuous program of workgroups and discussions, opportunities for referral of users to other sources of support / expertise, evening or weekend sessions)
Convenient, cozy and friendly meeting place, designed and equipped to play a dual role (see above)
Intentional focus on informal interaction
Opportunity for active participation of parents in order to create a social network
Dynamic support for parents with an emphasis on demonstration and discussion (play sessions, coffee mornings, discussion groups, seminars and workgroups) and not on instruction
The space for play and interaction of children, parents and experts was inspired by Scottish centres and kindergartens, which adopt a modern version of Friedrich Froebel’s pedagogical approach as well as contemporary understanding of play with loose parts – resources for heuristic play that encourages autonomy, creativity, problem solving, risk assessment, cooperation with other children. In the family centre only natural materials are being used – wood, textile, etc. There are separate thematic corners – “Music”, “Our house”, “Construction”, “Messy play” with water, sand, mud, straw, leaves and sticks, “The nest”, “A quiet corner” for reading and storytelling, “Art” with painting, playdough and cookie baking. Children choose where to play and what with, led by their natural curiosity and interests. Adults will only interfere if needed. Children’s experience is complimented by the projection of pictures and videos of nature, the seasons, the animal world which encourage simulation games, storytelling and the invention of stories. The experts observe, interact and guide the parents in a perfectly natural and delicate in the context of play way.
Basic resource materials There is an extensive library, full of information – books, reports, films.
Two EQ publications are used
A personal diary of the mother and child ()
A guide to the world of positive parenting ()
As well as UNICEF’s Early learning and development standards ()
Family interactive centre “In the world of early childhood development”
Thematic area of the services
Integrated services for young children and their parents, related to development, health and education of young children + parental capacity of the adults
Target groups
Users Expectant mothers and their partners
All parents of preschoolers with a focus on vulnerable groups (e.g. single parents, teenage parents, parents in social isolation, adoptive parents, foster parents, parents of children with special needs)
Children 0 to 7
Activities within the service
Currently the child protection departments can be alerted if there is a risk for young children; the reports are made by experts, working in two sectors –
Healthcare (maternity units / general practitioners / nurseries)
Education (kindergartens and preschool groups)
We offer a universal / open (public, generally available) service that will fill the gap between the institutions and the child protection services.
Equilibrium created a “meeting place” for families with children in early and preschool age. Parents and children visit the centre together. The children play freely and the parents talk among themselves and to experts on subjects, relating to child development and education and positive parenting. The multidisciplinary team carries out a number of activities –
Encouraging developmentally appropriate practice
Providing guidance and advice
Interacting, observing and reacting to indications of difficulties and problems in the family
Helping parents find friends and creating a network of acquaintances
Cooperating with other social services for children and families + nurseries and kindergartens
Referring parents to the appropriate specialists
Location
Currently, with the financial support of The Velux Foundations, Equilibrium sets the beginning of this approach in our own centre for early childhood development in Ruse. This guarantees that the family support offered, which is generally available, will be clearly distinguished (on the basis of its location) from the child protection services, aimed at children at risk.
This also allows the centre to have a dual function –
For children – rich and varied opportunities for play, exploration and interaction
For adults – space, design and resources that encourage informal interaction and group sessions
However, it is possible for the service to be offered as part of the work on early intervention and prevention of the centres for social support (where the relevant experts are). This will lead to the integration of families, referred by the child protection departments, with members of public.
Equilibrium adopts the same approach in mobile playgroups in marginalized neighbourhoods in order to develop parenting skills for stimulation of cognitive, social and emotional development of children and to adequately meet their health needs. The interactive activities of parents and children, facilitated by specialists, are very popular among these socially disadvantaged groups. The parents surprise us with their care for their children, the craving for knowledge about positive parenting and creative performance of household tasks.
Anticipated effect of the service
Short-term / medium-term plan: better direction of child protection activities and creation of a “safety net” for all parents with young children
If the maternity units recommend the service to the new parents, this creates a formula for insurance, a sensitive system for risk prevention as well as an opportunity for the experts to react to early warning signs on the basis of intensive interaction with the families and close observation. The intervention will be well planned, precise and relevant. The new service makes it possible to develop a network for support (associates and specialists) for those users of the new service, who are facing serious difficulties.
Parents, defined as “vulnerable” (e.g. single mothers, teenage mothers, families with low or unstable income), who choose not to use the universal service, are referred and considered as a priority group for the child protection services.
Influence: Better “visibility” of families with young children in the community. Those, who need support and advice, can be observed while they use the new service. The parents from the vulnerable groups, who refuse to use the new service, are registered and observed by the child protection services.
Impact: Better return on financial investments in early years care and education + child protection
Long-term: Helping to reduce the stress factors in the families, we will witness greater resilience in children, entering the educational system and better self-regulation among these young students. Better physical and psychological health among young children.
Impact: There would be gradual improvement of the children’s school performance indicators
The health status indicators will improve
What makes it innovative – The creation of this service requires the adaptation of a Swedish model – an Open Preschool (main part of family centres). The main features of this service are new to Bulgaria –
A multidisciplinary team that focuses on early childhood development, positive parenting and professional support which optimizes this development
An environment in which families that use the service are not judged or condemned
Easy access to consultants and resources (open door policy, flexibility, a contemporary platform for communication, a continuous program of workgroups and discussions, opportunities for referral of users to other sources of support / expertise, evening or weekend sessions)
Convenient, cozy and friendly meeting place, designed and equipped to play a dual role (see above)
Intentional focus on informal interaction
Opportunity for active participation of parents in order to create a social network
Dynamic support for parents with an emphasis on demonstration and discussion (play sessions, coffee mornings, discussion groups, seminars and workgroups) and not on instruction
The space for play and interaction of children, parents and experts was inspired by Scottish centres and kindergartens, which adopt a modern version of Friedrich Froebel’s pedagogical approach as well as contemporary understanding of play with loose parts – resources for heuristic play that encourages autonomy, creativity, problem solving, risk assessment, cooperation with other children. In the family centre only natural materials are being used – wood, textile, etc. There are separate thematic corners – “Music”, “Our house”, “Construction”, “Messy play” with water, sand, mud, straw, leaves and sticks, “The nest”, “A quiet corner” for reading and storytelling, “Art” with painting, playdough and cookie baking. Children choose where to play and what with, led by their natural curiosity and interests. Adults will only interfere if needed. Children’s experience is complimented by the projection of pictures and videos of nature, the seasons, the animal world which encourage simulation games, storytelling and the invention of stories. The experts observe, interact and guide the parents in a perfectly natural and delicate in the context of play way.
Basic resource materials There is an extensive library, full of information – books, reports, films.
Two EQ publications are used
A personal diary of the mother and child ()
A guide to the world of positive parenting ()
As well as UNICEF’s Early learning and development standards ()
Family interactive centre “In the world of early childhood development”
Thematic area of the services
Integrated services for young children and their parents, related to development, health and education of young children + parental capacity of the adults
Target groups
Users Expectant mothers and their partners
All parents of preschoolers with a focus on vulnerable groups (e.g. single parents, teenage parents, parents in social isolation, adoptive parents, foster parents, parents of children with special needs)
Children 0 to 7
Activities within the service
Currently the child protection departments can be alerted if there is a risk for young children; the reports are made by experts, working in two sectors –
Healthcare (maternity units / general practitioners / nurseries)
Education (kindergartens and preschool groups)
We offer a universal / open (public, generally available) service that will fill the gap between the institutions and the child protection services.
Equilibrium created a “meeting place” for families with children in early and preschool age. Parents and children visit the centre together. The children play freely and the parents talk among themselves and to experts on subjects, relating to child development and education and positive parenting. The multidisciplinary team carries out a number of activities –
Encouraging developmentally appropriate practice
Providing guidance and advice
Interacting, observing and reacting to indications of difficulties and problems in the family
Helping parents find friends and creating a network of acquaintances
Cooperating with other social services for children and families + nurseries and kindergartens
Referring parents to the appropriate specialists
Location
Currently, with the financial support of The Velux Foundations, Equilibrium sets the beginning of this approach in our own centre for early childhood development in Ruse. This guarantees that the family support offered, which is generally available, will be clearly distinguished (on the basis of its location) from the child protection services, aimed at children at risk.
This also allows the centre to have a dual function –
For children – rich and varied opportunities for play, exploration and interaction
For adults – space, design and resources that encourage informal interaction and group sessions
However, it is possible for the service to be offered as part of the work on early intervention and prevention of the centres for social support (where the relevant experts are). This will lead to the integration of families, referred by the child protection departments, with members of public.
Equilibrium adopts the same approach in mobile playgroups in marginalized neighbourhoods in order to develop parenting skills for stimulation of cognitive, social and emotional development of children and to adequately meet their health needs. The interactive activities of parents and children, facilitated by specialists, are very popular among these socially disadvantaged groups. The parents surprise us with their care for their children, the craving for knowledge about positive parenting and creative performance of household tasks.
Anticipated effect of the service
Short-term / medium-term plan: better direction of child protection activities and creation of a “safety net” for all parents with young children
If the maternity units recommend the service to the new parents, this creates a formula for insurance, a sensitive system for risk prevention as well as an opportunity for the experts to react to early warning signs on the basis of intensive interaction with the families and close observation. The intervention will be well planned, precise and relevant. The new service makes it possible to develop a network for support (associates and specialists) for those users of the new service, who are facing serious difficulties.
Parents, defined as “vulnerable” (e.g. single mothers, teenage mothers, families with low or unstable income), who choose not to use the universal service, are referred and considered as a priority group for the child protection services.
Influence: Better “visibility” of families with young children in the community. Those, who need support and advice, can be observed while they use the new service. The parents from the vulnerable groups, who refuse to use the new service, are registered and observed by the child protection services.
Impact: Better return on financial investments in early years care and education + child protection
Long-term: Helping to reduce the stress factors in the families, we will witness greater resilience in children, entering the educational system and better self-regulation among these young students. Better physical and psychological health among young children.
Impact: There would be gradual improvement of the children’s school performance indicators
The health status indicators will improve
What makes it innovative – The creation of this service requires the adaptation of a Swedish model – an Open Preschool (main part of family centres). The main features of this service are new to Bulgaria –
A multidisciplinary team that focuses on early childhood development, positive parenting and professional support which optimizes this development
An environment in which families that use the service are not judged or condemned
Easy access to consultants and resources (open door policy, flexibility, a contemporary platform for communication, a continuous program of workgroups and discussions, opportunities for referral of users to other sources of support / expertise, evening or weekend sessions)
Convenient, cozy and friendly meeting place, designed and equipped to play a dual role (see above)
Intentional focus on informal interaction
Opportunity for active participation of parents in order to create a social network
Dynamic support for parents with an emphasis on demonstration and discussion (play sessions, coffee mornings, discussion groups, seminars and workgroups) and not on instruction
The space for play and interaction of children, parents and experts was inspired by Scottish centres and kindergartens, which adopt a modern version of Friedrich Froebel’s pedagogical approach as well as contemporary understanding of play with loose parts – resources for heuristic play that encourages autonomy, creativity, problem solving, risk assessment, cooperation with other children. In the family centre only natural materials are being used – wood, textile, etc. There are separate thematic corners – “Music”, “Our house”, “Construction”, “Messy play” with water, sand, mud, straw, leaves and sticks, “The nest”, “A quiet corner” for reading and storytelling, “Art” with painting, playdough and cookie baking. Children choose where to play and what with, led by their natural curiosity and interests. Adults will only interfere if needed. Children’s experience is complimented by the projection of pictures and videos of nature, the seasons, the animal world which encourage simulation games, storytelling and the invention of stories. The experts observe, interact and guide the parents in a perfectly natural and delicate in the context of play way.
Basic resource materials There is an extensive library, full of information – books, reports, films.
Two EQ publications are used
A personal diary of the mother and child ()
A guide to the world of positive parenting ()
As well as UNICEF’s Early learning and development standards ()
Family interactive centre “In the world of early childhood development”
Thematic area of the services
Integrated services for young children and their parents, related to development, health and education of young children + parental capacity of the adults
Target groups
Users Expectant mothers and their partners
All parents of preschoolers with a focus on vulnerable groups (e.g. single parents, teenage parents, parents in social isolation, adoptive parents, foster parents, parents of children with special needs)
Children 0 to 7
Activities within the service
Currently the child protection departments can be alerted if there is a risk for young children; the reports are made by experts, working in two sectors –
Healthcare (maternity units / general practitioners / nurseries)
Education (kindergartens and preschool groups)
We offer a universal / open (public, generally available) service that will fill the gap between the institutions and the child protection services.
Equilibrium created a “meeting place” for families with children in early and preschool age. Parents and children visit the centre together. The children play freely and the parents talk among themselves and to experts on subjects, relating to child development and education and positive parenting. The multidisciplinary team carries out a number of activities –
Encouraging developmentally appropriate practice
Providing guidance and advice
Interacting, observing and reacting to indications of difficulties and problems in the family
Helping parents find friends and creating a network of acquaintances
Cooperating with other social services for children and families + nurseries and kindergartens
Referring parents to the appropriate specialists
Location
Currently, with the financial support of The Velux Foundations, Equilibrium sets the beginning of this approach in our own centre for early childhood development in Ruse. This guarantees that the family support offered, which is generally available, will be clearly distinguished (on the basis of its location) from the child protection services, aimed at children at risk.
This also allows the centre to have a dual function –
For children – rich and varied opportunities for play, exploration and interaction
For adults – space, design and resources that encourage informal interaction and group sessions
However, it is possible for the service to be offered as part of the work on early intervention and prevention of the centres for social support (where the relevant experts are). This will lead to the integration of families, referred by the child protection departments, with members of public.
Equilibrium adopts the same approach in mobile playgroups in marginalized neighbourhoods in order to develop parenting skills for stimulation of cognitive, social and emotional development of children and to adequately meet their health needs. The interactive activities of parents and children, facilitated by specialists, are very popular among these socially disadvantaged groups. The parents surprise us with their care for their children, the craving for knowledge about positive parenting and creative performance of household tasks.
Anticipated effect of the service
Short-term / medium-term plan: better direction of child protection activities and creation of a “safety net” for all parents with young children
If the maternity units recommend the service to the new parents, this creates a formula for insurance, a sensitive system for risk prevention as well as an opportunity for the experts to react to early warning signs on the basis of intensive interaction with the families and close observation. The intervention will be well planned, precise and relevant. The new service makes it possible to develop a network for support (associates and specialists) for those users of the new service, who are facing serious difficulties.
Parents, defined as “vulnerable” (e.g. single mothers, teenage mothers, families with low or unstable income), who choose not to use the universal service, are referred and considered as a priority group for the child protection services.
Influence: Better “visibility” of families with young children in the community. Those, who need support and advice, can be observed while they use the new service. The parents from the vulnerable groups, who refuse to use the new service, are registered and observed by the child protection services.
Impact: Better return on financial investments in early years care and education + child protection
Long-term: Helping to reduce the stress factors in the families, we will witness greater resilience in children, entering the educational system and better self-regulation among these young students. Better physical and psychological health among young children.
Impact: There would be gradual improvement of the children’s school performance indicators
The health status indicators will improve
What makes it innovative – The creation of this service requires the adaptation of a Swedish model – an Open Preschool (main part of family centres). The main features of this service are new to Bulgaria –
A multidisciplinary team that focuses on early childhood development, positive parenting and professional support which optimizes this development
An environment in which families that use the service are not judged or condemned
Easy access to consultants and resources (open door policy, flexibility, a contemporary platform for communication, a continuous program of workgroups and discussions, opportunities for referral of users to other sources of support / expertise, evening or weekend sessions)
Convenient, cozy and friendly meeting place, designed and equipped to play a dual role (see above)
Intentional focus on informal interaction
Opportunity for active participation of parents in order to create a social network
Dynamic support for parents with an emphasis on demonstration and discussion (play sessions, coffee mornings, discussion groups, seminars and workgroups) and not on instruction
The space for play and interaction of children, parents and experts was inspired by Scottish centres and kindergartens, which adopt a modern version of Friedrich Froebel’s pedagogical approach as well as contemporary understanding of play with loose parts – resources for heuristic play that encourages autonomy, creativity, problem solving, risk assessment, cooperation with other children. In the family centre only natural materials are being used – wood, textile, etc. There are separate thematic corners – “Music”, “Our house”, “Construction”, “Messy play” with water, sand, mud, straw, leaves and sticks, “The nest”, “A quiet corner” for reading and storytelling, “Art” with painting, playdough and cookie baking. Children choose where to play and what with, led by their natural curiosity and interests. Adults will only interfere if needed. Children’s experience is complimented by the projection of pictures and videos of nature, the seasons, the animal world which encourage simulation games, storytelling and the invention of stories. The experts observe, interact and guide the parents in a perfectly natural and delicate in the context of play way.
Basic resource materials There is an extensive library, full of information – books, reports, films.
Two EQ publications are used
A personal diary of the mother and child ()
A guide to the world of positive parenting ()
As well as UNICEF’s Early learning and development standards ()
Achievements of the family centre
Condensedht Condensednschrift SemiLight Condensedht Condensed Families that have visited the centre
The centre has been working since the end of 2017. By the end of 2018 150 families have visited the place, including those from other towns or living abroad. We integrate children with special needs, those reintegrated in their biological families, foster and adopted children.
The approaches adopted in the centre are also used in the Roma communities, where mobile play sessions with children and their parents are held. 78 families took part in these group formats last year (2018).
ahnschrift Condensedahnschrift Condensednsedondensedietnameseࠀ Group forms of work
The centre is open 9.00 – 17.00 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and on Tuesday and Thursday – 9.00 – 19.00 for children who go to nursery and kindergarten.
We encourage the creation of informal social groups and networks for single mothers or those, whose husbands work abroad.
We had two summer workshops (4 days each) – Storytelling and Outdoor play.
In the evenings and during the weekends we organize meetings on relevant topics –breastfeeding, introverted children and kindergarten, dyslexia, the impact of digital technologies on children and parenting, etc.
Sustainability and achieved impact of the new model
In the new draft regulations for social services universal services are recognized and brought for the first time in Bulgaria. We dare to suggest that the family centre in Ruse, as a model for the first such service in the country, has contributed to the recognition of universal support by the government and their regulation in the new legislation. The legal framework for this kind of universal and generally available services are consistent with the way the family centre is organized and operates – open door policy, no assessment or plan, flexible and discreet support for the development of skills and the realization of rights. Caregivers are referred to specialized social services when needed.
From the draft regulation:
Open and specialised social services
Чл. 12. (1) Social services are open and specialised.
(2) Open social services for all persons are the services for:
1. informing, consulting and training for the realization of social rights and for the development of skills, which are provided for a period not longer than two months.
2. mobile and preventative community work.
(3) Specialised social services are the services, which are provided when:
1. there is a risk for the person’s life, health, wellbeing or development
2. a specific need of a certain group of people must be met.
Functions of the social services
Чл. 13. (1) Depending on their function social services are:
1. preventative;
2. supportive;
3. rehabilitational.
(2) Preventive are the social services which are provided to all persons or to a certain group of people without any previously identified specific risk.
(3) Supportive are the social services which are provided as a result of an identified risk or in order to address a specific need.
(4) Rehabilitational are the social services which provide highly specialised support to persons with special needs.
The regulation of the open social services is a guarantee for both the sustainability of our family centre and the development of similar services in the country. We would also like to participate in the development of the standards of this kind of services.
Feedback from stakeholders
ℳ 먀ȃ∁Bahnschrift SemiBold CondensedemiBold CondensedemiBold Condenseddensed External evaluation of the system for early childhood intervention in Bulgaria
The evaluation was conducted under a project of the National Network for Children “Putting the puzzle together: sustainability of family-oriented approach and early intervention in Bulgaria” and done by Emily Vargas-Baron from RISE Institute.
Equilibrium was included in the study as an organization that provides good practices in both ends of the spectrum of services:
nschrift SemiBold SemiCondensedd SemiCondensediBold SemiCondensedsedtral Europeanℳ 찀ȃ∁Bahnschrift SemiBold SemiConden with regard to Early Childhood Development (ECD) – family centre “In the world of early childhood”
∁Bahnschrift Light Condensedht Condensedht Condensed with regard to Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) – integrated and highly specialised services for children with disabilities in need of constant medical care.
Our work was highly appreciated by the international consultant in the context of the role of the family centre in the system for early childhood services and in regard to the early screening for the need of early intervention.
From the report of the external evaluator:
„This focused and complex organization has developed 13 different kinds of services, with state and municipal funding for child development in general, for children with severe disabilities, for supporting foster care and the family-type centres, as well as for families, victims of home violence and abuse and child neglect.
For example, they have created an interactive resource centre for early childhood development, for parents and children, where they conduct observations of children’s development and activities for screening. They also organize different activities with parents and children. The organization plans to complement this screening in the centre with work in the community, and an extended service for home visits in Ruse.
Equilibrium manages several services for children with disabilities and an inclusive early years’ centre which may be involved in the program for Early Childhood Development which includes work in the field in the community and home visits in Ruse and the vicinities. Children with special needs are referred to the services by the Child Protection Department.
The directors of the organization shared they desire to expand some of the services that include various elements of ECI. They also have services for little children in Byala, situated 55 km away from Ruse. That is why they believe that they can provide services for ECI in urban or rural areas. They mentioned that they are interested in investigating the opportunities for providing services in other municipalities in the future”.
rift SemiLight Condensedondensedrift SemiLight Condensedht Condensed Professor John Davis from the University of Edinburgh wrote:
“My colleagues rate Equilibrium’s achievement in creating their new research-and-practice facility in Rousse as a major achievement in the European context and we are fortunate to be marginally associated with it. We hope to continue and expand the relationship.”
ibriularillic✀Ìalibri Feedback from parents
We hold “pizza nights” regularly, at which we discuss relevant topics such as:
3.∁Calibri Light⑻쀀 What do we do right?
4. Where do we make mistakes?
5.al Europeanbriaular What should we do most?
Informal parents’ “jury” gives us feedback on the centre’s brochure, the development of three short films and three digital booklets about early childhood development and parenting:
Play & Exploration
Learning & Intelligences
Positivity & Raising resilient children
We sustain the dialogue with the parents via the social media and at their request we are developing a digital platform for presentation – visual and in a simple language – of the scientific researches for early childhood development.
Feedback from parents:
„The place is wonderful, made from natural materials. It is light and spacious. It gives the opportunity for free play with various materials, which develop different skills and qualities in children. We started visiting the centre 9 months ago, and the specialists there track my child’s development – speech, fine motor skills, etc. We found new friends, and my son keeps asking for his favourites (“Hani and Talia”). One of his favourite places for play is the sandpit, where I leave him to play freely and get dirty as much as he wants. For me, this is the place, where I can “set my watch”. A place, where I met many nice mothers and where I get the so precious for a mother opportunity for communication (with the team there and with the other parents). Thank you for being there!”
Vesela, mother of Vasil (1y. 10m.)
„I don’t want to give long explanations about how my son and I feel at this magical place, what we have learnt and experienced, and all the friends that we made. That is why I would like to THANK the people who have created this place in Ruse. One big THANK YOU for the people who work there – they are unique; and one THANK you for the parents with young children that we met. Without all these people this wonderful place would not have been the same. THANK YOU!
P.S. I love to tell different people about the centre. It is a place, which is full of tranquility, natural materials and a different perspective on play. I got to know my child better while we play freely almost every day there. In the family centre I meet people, who are friendly and open to new ideas and their realization. I thank the team that works there. They have been observing me and my child for almost eight months now, and their professional opinion, about how I care for Alekzander and how he takes care of me, is very important. Definitely the little one’s development is much faster and more interesting, to which the centre itself and the team there contributed. Playing freely, Zander and I learn. I get to know my child, while he explores the world around him, playing, laughing, crying and creating. The family centre is a place that brings me the feeling of warmth, understanding, freedom and growth“.
With respect and love: Elia and Alekzander (1y 11m.)
„My name is Rositsa. I have two children – a girl (4y.) and a boy (2y.). I have been visiting the centre for 9 months now. My children feel at home here. The place is really convenient and well designed. It combines in itself the coziness of home and the fun of being in nature. It is very hard for me to go places with the two of them but here I can spend a whole day, compared to other places. My son is 2 years old and he still needs his afternoon nap. While he’s sleeping peacefully in the children’s cot in the baby room, my daughter plays freely in the other corners of the centre. It is wonderful that the family centre offers families such variety of games, which you can’t find elsewhere – neither indoors, nor outdoors. There is a perfect balance between nature and a safe environment. It is great and very useful that they have a kitchen families can use in the centre. I can prepare food for my children and feed them without interrupting them while they’re playing. It is a challenge for me to go out with the two little ones. I need at least two bags. The good thing is that the team at the centre could provide me with anything if I’d forgotten to take staff from home (e.g. diapers, wet wipes, clothes, food, etc.) Children 2 – 4 still require a lot of care. Most of the time, they would demand things at the same time. Even when I am at home, for me this is a critical moment. But here I am peaceful because there is always somebody who can help and support me. Like every mother, I want to provide my children with the best care possible so they can grow confident and smart. But very often problems and obstacles appear. Here is the place where I can find answers and solutions. The team at the centre is qualified and friendly, and parents can talk to them in an informal and warm environment. The meetings with other parents are really useful for me as well. It is really comforting to know you are not the only one who has difficulties. The hardest part of our visits to the centre is leaving. It is always very dramatic and full of crying and lying on the ground. That is why I am so grateful for the team’s patience and calmness they have for us. Thank you for your warm welcoming and that you gave me the opportunity to become a part of all this.”
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