Why is sleep important for young children’s development – and when is it most beneficial? Why is it important to personalize afternoon naps in kindergarten, and how can this be feasibly done? These were among the key sensitive questions broached during the recent webinar, “Mandatory Afternoon Naps in Kindergartens – Are There Alternatives?” organized by the Trust for Social Achievement and the REYN Bulgaria Network, the event brought together early childhood development experts and educators to explore flexible approaches to rest in preschool settings.
Attracting over 190 attendees from across Bulgaria, participants included kindergarten teachers, principals, academic experts, civic activists, parents, and local government representatives. The diverse attendance event reflected the growing relevance of flexible routines in Bulgarian kindergartens. Panelists included professionals in neurology, children’s rights, and education policy, as well as representatives from the Association of Child Sleep Consultants in Bulgaria, addressing all aspects of this multifaceted topic.
Eugenia Volen, Program Director of the Early Learning and Care Program at TSA, opened the event by drawing the connection between nap-time alternatives and broader pedagogical quality. Both are tied to respecting the unique developmental needs of each child and employing a more individualized approach to early education.
Dr. Elena Kabakchieva, neurologist and Chair of the Health and Social Development Foundation, offered a scientific, pediatric perspective on the matter. She explained that while sleep is essential, forcing young children to nap can negatively impact their natural circadian rhythm. Individual sleep needs vary significantly at this age and thus should be accommodated in preschool routines.
Dr. Eva Zhecheva, Director of the Children's Rights Directorate at the Ombudsman of the Republic of Bulgaria, and Vanya Georgieva, Head of the Organization, Planning, and Reporting Department at the Ministry of Education and Science, addressed the current legal framework and regulatory requirements in Bulgarian kindergartens. They explained how current legislation allows room for flexible interpretations that strike a balance between respecting children’s individual needs and institutional standards.
Gabriela Tosunova, Program Assistant with the Early Learning and Care Program at TSA, shared insights from international European approaches, with a spotlight on Slovenia. There, kindergartens use flexible nap-time structures, allowing children to choose between sleep, quiet rest, or other calm activities according to their individual needs.
Maria Yonova and Dr. Elena Chapalova from the Association of Child Sleep Consultants in Bulgaria addressed the role of families on this matter. They presented findings from a May 2025 survey of 2,240 parents of kindergarten-aged children. The data demonstrated the readiness of the education system, children, and parents for organizational changes in afternoon naps.
As participants exchanged on various adaptive models, Zlatina Marincheva – Director of the Barborino Kindergarten in Sredets – shared her team’s experience with flexible nap policies. The kindergarten she runs uses a choice-based model that offers alternative, quiet activities for children who do not want to sleep. At the same time, her team works with parents to ease any concerns over this method, explaining how these approaches meet their child’s individual needs.
The webinar showcased a strong consensus on the need for further public debate and cross-institutional collaboration to strike a balance between children's needs, parents' rights, and state education standards.
The presentation (in Bulgarian) from the event can be found here.
Video recording of the webinar: