Bulgarian childcare scheme helps parents back to work by hiring jobseekers

Key facts

• An EU-backed Bulgarian scheme provides free daily childcare to working parents.
• The project also creates employment opportunities for jobseekers as childcarers.
• The 'Parents in Employment' initiative has assisted 3,400 families and employed 3,500 carers since 2023.
• The scheme is funded by the European Social Fund Plus with €28 million.

A Bulgarian initiative, supported by the European Social Fund Plus, is addressing the dual challenges of limited childcare availability for working parents and unemployment.

The 'Parents in Employment' project provides eligible families with eight hours of free daily childcare, enabling parents to return to work. Simultaneously, it offers employment to jobseekers as vetted childcarers.

This scheme aims to increase early education and care access for Bulgarian children, which currently stands at 22% for under-threes, significantly below the EU average of 40%.

Since its inception in 2023, the project has successfully provided childcare solutions for 3,400 families and created jobs for 3,500 carers. The initiative aligns with the broader social objectives of the European Pillar of Social Rights.