Having access to flexible childcare options can determine whether parents and guardians are able to work or not. If local providers are unable to look after children with disabilities – or to accommodate the needs of shift workers or part-time employees – parents can be faced with tough choices. With support from the European Social Fund (ESF), the Kindergarten Matulji project addressed this problem by offering flexible and comprehensive early childhood education and care. The project’s extra support gives parents access to a happy and stimulating environment for their children, adapted to their working patterns.  

‘We organised shifts in the kindergarten from 6.30 till 21.00, providing parents the possibility to better manage their work time and parenthood time,’ said Esmina, a Kindergarten Matulji teacher. 

In total, Kindergarten Matulji provided 42 children with care. The project also delivered comprehensive education and care to children with disabilities and special educational needs, helping parents who would otherwise struggle to find suitable childcare options. The funding from the ESF allowed the project to invest in a dedicated speech and language therapist, special facilities, and specialised equipment to teach the children with disabilities and educational needs. 

Teodor, the project’s coordinator, spoke about these special facilities: ‘With project funds, we managed to equip the sensory integration room with the necessary special equipment. And we provided special equipment for our speech therapist so we could provide the necessary care for children in the kindergarten who have disabilities.’ 

The project has had positive, long-term effects for families in Matulji, especially for families who have children with specific educational needs.  

‘Thanks to this project a few kindergarten teachers attended additional education for working with children with special needs and for working with children who have speech and hearing problems,’ explained Teodor. 

By successfully improving the quality of childcare and teaching to young kids and by providing didactic materials for children with disabilities and special educational needs, the Kindergarten Matulji leaves a strong legacy of providing inclusive, comprehensive, and flexible childcare. The project team has used this evidence to raise awareness about the benefits of shift work in kindergartens.