Large-scale education reform: nurseries move under the Ministry of Education and Science, and term limits for principals are introduced

Reform in the Preschool and School Education System

A group of members of parliament from "Democratic Bulgaria" have submitted a package of legislative proposals to amend the Pre-school and School Education Act (PSEA). The goal is the modernization of the education system and ensuring equal access to quality education.

"A significant portion of children enter first grade without being able to fluently use the Bulgarian language, which leads to marginalization," commented Elisaveta Belobradova.

Key highlights of the bill:

• Language support: Mandatory assessment of the level of Bulgarian language proficiency is introduced at the beginning and end of preschool education.
• Early childhood development: Care for children from 0 to 7 years of age is transferred entirely to the Ministry of Education and Science, including the management of nurseries.
• Term limits for principals: A 4-year term is introduced, limited to two consecutive terms for a single principal.
• Digitalization and skills: Media literacy, critical thinking, and working with artificial intelligence are being included in the curricula.
• Professional development: Teacher evaluation becomes an annual process for higher teaching quality.

New forms of care, such as parental cooperatives and childcare centers, are also being proposed to meet the modern needs of families.