International Children's Creativity Center

Preschool and essential employment skills

April 7, 2025April 7, 2025By Snezhana Daneva

Can preschools help kids build essential skills for emloyment

Connecting essential employment skills with early education may seem a little far-stretched. However, new research in UK highlights the need to prioritise the social and emotional development among pre-school children as key for their future employment opportunities.

The skills that matter most

What are Essential Employment Skills? The research highlights a set of six skills identified in ‘The Skills Imperative 2035’ report as especially vital to the future workforce. Interestingly, all of them come under two large categoris – social-emotional learning and approaches to learning.

These six skills are a mix of cognitive skills: (problem solving and decision making; information literacy; creative thinking); social skills (collaboration; communication); and self-management skills (organising, planning and prioritising).

The report concludes that high quality early education with focus on social-emotional skills is essential for children’s development. Therefore, kindergarten teachers should be highly trained to model and teach children good social-emotional skills.

How schools fail to develop good employment skills for the future

The head of the National Education Union in UK points out three major factors in school education which stand in the way of building the skills kids need for their successful future employment. These are:

the exam factory culture in schools which is to blame for students lagging behind in socio-emotional skills.
an obsession with memorisation of knowledge over the development of important skills.
the creation of rigid, overloaded curricula is also alienating for young people.

The Union head concludes that exams “force the arts out of the curriculum and drive the toxic school league table culture that now overrides everything else.’

You can read more about this in this article here

Social Emotional Learning in Childhood

April 1, 2025April 1, 2025By Snezhana Daneva

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) refers to the process through which children (and adults too) develop the skills needed to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, show empathy for others and understand social norms, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions.

Building resilience, empathy, and interpersonal skills are crucial for both academic success and personal well-being. SEL in early years education can help shape these skills. Both families and schools play their part. Parents and preschool teachers need to understand what these skills are, and what practical strategies to use to support children to learn and apply them.

To discover more about the core SE skills and how to build them, read this article.

young family with toddler smiling on first preschool day in kindergarten

Open for registration for School Year 2025-26

January 8, 2025March 19, 2025By Snezhana Daneva

Registration for School Year 2025-26 opens in January 2025. We will be excited to meet with your family and hear all about your child, your aspirations and priorities.

Available places from September 2025:

Children aged 20 months – 2 years: 10 places

Age groups 3, 4, 5+ years: limited places

Children can join from September 2025 or from the end of June when the Summer program starts. Starting earlier is possible if a space is available.

Find out about more on our website about our groups and program, and fees.

You can visit one of our Saturday Open House sessions (please complete this booking form) or organize a visit on a week day at your own convenience (use this form).

The next Saturday Open House mornings are on:

15 February 2025, 10.30 – 12pm

15 March 2025, 10.30 – 12pm

We look forward to seeing you soon!

The Great Escape: Surviving Preschool Separation at ICCC

November 19, 2024November 28, 2024By AniMihaylova

The Great Escape:
Surviving Preschool Separation at ICCC

Starting pre-school is a big moment in a young child’s life. It is the beginning of a whole new adventure, but we have to be prepared that it usually starts with tears.

At the International Children’s Creativity Center (ICCC), we take separation seriously and want to help both kids and parents go through it as quickly and easily as possible.

Let’s face it, everyone’s approach to separation is different. Some kids wave goodbye with barely a glance back, while others hold on to mom’s leg and refuse to let go.

And that’s perfectly okay. We’re here to help, and we have some tricks up our sleeves to make the morning separation a little less dramatic.

Step 1: The Shoe Moment

Every morning, the parents help kids take off their shoes and slip into those comfy slippers. It’s a moment for a bit of chit-chat and giggles, or it’s the moment to acknowledge that your child is feeling sad or scared about being left at school, and tell them you felt the same way when you were a child. Of course, they will have lots of good time playing and having fun, and after nap time you will come pick them up.

Step 2: “I’m Here and Ready to Rock!”

Once the goodbyes are said, with or without tears, your kid will be with their teacher who’s so happy to see them and set them on a mission – find their lovely face on their name badge (a special VIP magnet badge) and stick it on the board. This simple act says, “I’m here, I’m fabulous, and I’m ready to conquer the world (or at least this cozy, colorful corner of it).”

Step 3: The Artistic Prelude

What better way to kickstart a day than with a table full of natural treasures, objects and art materials? Every morning, our teachers conjure up a different table-invitation inspired by the day’s theme. It’s like Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, but with crayons, glue sticks and other curious objects. Leaves, acorns, pine cones, and beautiful rocks, oh my! Our little artists can get to work!

Step 4: Groovy Mornings with Music

Who said mornings couldn’t be fun? At ICCC, we’re big fans of the “start your day with a dance” philosophy. At least three times a week we welcome the kids with some toe-tapping tunes that guarantee a foot-tapping, head-nodding good mood.

Step 5: The Family That Learns Together, Stays Together

We’re all about family. That’s why we keep parents informed and involved. We send pictures and videos how kids play and learn, and sometimes we invite them to join in on the fun. We make it feel like a big family, and this is our secret at the International Children’s Creativity Center.

We know goodbyes can be tough at the beginning but with a little routine, creativity, dancing and lots of play and love, we make sure everyone leaves with a smile on their face – kids and parents alike.

The Power of Books

November 7, 2024January 7, 2025By Snezhana Daneva

Interactive Workshop for Parents and Kids (2-5 years)

ICCC invites you the first of several Saturday Parent and Kid Circle session held in our beautiful preschool in Dragalevtsi. At these sessions, as parents you will get hands-on ‘lessons’ from our teachers on how to make learning at home so much fun for both you and your young child.

The first event will be dedicated to reading. We will show you a special way of reading books with kids that can sparkle their language learning, imagination, math skills and motor development.

Join us for a book reading session with Ms Petya that will include engaging activities for children and tips for parents.

Who is the session for:

parents of toddlers and preschoolers (you can come with or without your child)
it is essential that both parents and children can understand and interact in English.

We will be glad to share with parents something our teachers know and do well at ICCC each day. We will also be happy to show you around our beautiful preschool and playgrounds.

SAVE A PLACE HERE https://iccf-bg.com/the-power-of-books-interactive…/

Calling all rhino friends!

October 16, 2024January 7, 2025By Snezhana Daneva

ICCC is happy to present Rhino in Disguise, by Anja Nolte, read by the author

If you hear this story, you will become a rhino friend for life!

Join us at ICCC on Saturday, 16 November from 10am at ICCC for the first public book reading of Rhino in Disguise!

Make sure you book your spot for the reading by completing this form:

https://forms.gle/xaa5y7wo1CNbkP8DA

We are excited to host the first reading of the first book of ICCC’s great friend and member, mom of three kids, and now author, Anja Nolte!

Rhino in Disguise will take you on a wild adventure with Rhino who has a BIG problem – he is hiding from humans to protect his precious horn. His friend the chameleon helps him try to find the perfect disguise to keep his horn safe.

Anja Nolte has written a powerful story that teaches us to live in harmony with the world around us. The clever rhymes and the story, both funny and moving, will leave no child or parent indifferent to the fate of rhinos and other endangered species. Join us to help your child learn to care about the environment and endangered animals, and discover more about the animals in this story.

The event is recommended for parents and children age 4 and older. Kids can do a craft after hearing the story, and will also ‘meet’ on video a baby rhino who survived thanks to the care he received in a rhyno orphanage. The sale of the book will help support rhino orphanages in South Africa, Anja Nolte’s home country.

Venue details

International Children’s Creativity Center (ICCC)

Dragalevtsi, 20 Akademik Hristo Hristov Street, Sofia 1415

Why Limits Are Good for Children

May 30, 2024July 9, 2024By Snezhana Daneva

Why Limits Are Good For Children

How often do you deal with power struggles at home

Claire Lerner, child psychologist and therapist, nailed it! She wrote: “For the vast majority of the families I see each year, the root cause of the challenge for which they are seeking consultation is an absence of limits and the power struggles that flourish in this void. That is what is making everyone miserable— parents and children. It is resulting in less, not more, emotional regulation (for kids and parents!)”

Pre-school teachers biggest challenge

With over 27 years of experience in dealing with children at ICCC, we can only add that the absence of limits is making not only children and parents miserable, but teachers too. There is nothing more time and energy consuming for teachers than working with children who expect no less than having things their way. Also, nothing requires more skills and experience.

Are you setting healthy limits for your toddler

Many parents fail to set important limits for their child. This is often done with the best of intentions. Examples are extending bedtime because the child wants yet one more bedtime story. Or allowing more screen time. Or buying a new toy they badly want. We bend our own rules because our child is upset. We often don’t realize that by doing this we lay the ground for yet more power struggles. What happens is we send the child the message that their strategy is working. They will eventually get what they want. So we shouldn’t be surprised that they keep acting like this. They even become more resourceful and energetic in applying these strategies to achieve their objective.

Expert advice

There is numerous advice out there about what parents can do to set limits in a healthy and respectful way for children. We can recommend two great blogs by Claire Lerner and Allison Shafer . Both are Adlerian psychologists and advocates for positive psychology in which the positive discipline approach is rooted. You can find useful articles and resources about dealing with challenging behavior in both blogs.

Positive discipline at ICCC

At ICCC our team of teachers started training in the positive discipline approach in 2024. We are happy to see so many positive changes already happening. We hope we will soon be able to deal confidently with a wide range of discipline challenges in our preschool.

Photo by Freepik (www.freepik.com)

Earth Day Open House family event at ICCC

April 9, 2024April 24, 2024By Snezhana Daneva

ICCC preschool is opening its doors- literally- to welcome families from Sofia’s Expat and International community to an Open House “Earth Day” event for your toddler aged children (aged 1-6). If you’re in Sofia on Sunday, April 28th from 11am to 1pm, come up Mount Vitosha to our cozy schoolhouse and experience a morning of Earth day themed recycling crafts, events, and outdoor play. You are welcome to bring snacks and drinks.

This is a unique chance to get to know our international community of families and see for yourself what our school environment will be like for your little one. We have lots of fun in-store in our natural outdoor backyard setting.

If you have been curious, or are still researching a “kindergarten” for your children, this is your chance to spend a sunny morning with us during our free Open morning. Our ICCC kids and families will be in attendance. Parents and siblings are welcome to join in the fun.

Registration required!

Please RSVP by April 26th to office@iccf-bg.com

Nurturing Success: How to ensure a smooth transition for your child

November 24, 2023January 7, 2025By AniMihaylova

As we embark on a new month, the International Children’s Creativity Center is excited to continue our mission of providing valuable insights into child development. Last month, our expert advice centered around the topic of surviving preschool separation. Building on this, our focus this month is on how to sustain a successful transition and establish a strong program where children feel comfortable and thrive in their learning.

Consistency is Key:
One of the fundamental principles in fostering a stable environment for children is consistency. Whether it’s the daily routine, the learning schedule, or the way teachers handle various situations, maintaining a predictable atmosphere helps children feel secure. When expectations are clear, children can better understand and adapt to their surroundings.
Open Lines of Communication:
Establishing strong communication channels between parents, teachers, and children is crucial for a successful transition. Regularly discuss your child’s experiences, joys, and challenges at school. Likewise, teachers should openly share insights into your child’s progress, creating a unified front that supports the child’s overall development.
Each Child is Different:
Every child is unique, with distinct learning styles, preferences, and needs. Recognizing and respecting these individual differences is paramount for a stable program. Teachers and parents should collaborate to understand each child’s strengths and areas for improvement, tailoring the learning experience accordingly.
Encourage Independence:
As children transition from preschool to a more structured program, fostering independence is key. Encourage your child to take on responsibilities, make choices, and solve problems on their own. This not only builds confidence but also equips them with essential life skills that contribute to their overall development.
Create a Positive Learning Environment:
A positive and nurturing atmosphere is essential for a child’s well-being and success. Teachers play a pivotal role in cultivating this environment by promoting kindness, empathy, and respect. Parents can support this by reinforcing positive behavior at home and engaging in open conversations about the importance of these values.
Establish a Supportive Community:
Building a strong sense of community within the school environment is vital for children’s social and emotional development. Encourage friendships and collaboration among peers, fostering a supportive network that extends beyond the classroom. Parent involvement in school activities also contributes to a sense of belonging and security for the children.

The International Children’s Creativity Center remains committed to providing expert advice to support you on this journey. Here’s to fostering a nurturing environment where every child can flourish!

Warm regards,
The team of International Children’s Creativity Center

5 good questions to ask when choosing a pre-school

February 17, 2023January 9, 2025By Snezhana Daneva

At this time of year, parents of young children face the important task of finding the best preschool for their toddler. It is normal for parents to want their child to be happy and well-prepared for the future, but it can be difficult to decide which preschool is the best match.

Before drawing your shortlist, it is important to first consider your values as a parent. Think about your parenting style, how you interact with your child, and what you want for them. Being clear about your priorities will help you identify the best match.

When you visit, apart from questions like the daily routine, curriculum, fees, try to understand the values, culture, and staff approach so you can make an informed decision about your child’s early years education.

Here is our advice for parents about the essential questions they should ask when choosing a pre-school for their child.

Question 1. How do you support new children to adjust in the first weeks? Are parents allowed in during the transition period? Is there an adjustment plan or routine you follow? If my child is upset, how do you offer comfort? How long before they go back to normal?

At our pre-school, we prioritize a supportive and nurturing environment for new children. The transition period includes a special routine and schedule for the first few weeks. Parents are allowed to stay with their child for one or two days to help build trust with our staff. Our trained and experienced teachers understand that every child is unique and may require different levels of support. They offer individual attention and care to ensure that each child feels safe and secure in their new environment. This process can take from two weeks to over a month. Parental support is key so we work together with parents to help the child make this big step forward in their growth.

Question 2. Do you have a specific philosophy or approach to learning? Can you give examples of how children learn in your pre-school?

At ICCC, we believe that children learn best when they are actively engaged and having fun. Our philosophy is centered around fostering creativity and a love of learning in each child. We provide a variety of materials and activities that encourage hands-on learning and exploration in different learning centers such as home area, construction and play area, art area, math and science area, literacy area, etc. Some activities are teacher led but there is plenty of room for child-initiated experiences in the classroom and on the playground. With the right support from their teachers, in their play children develop important skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. For example, when playing with blocks children can learn about shapes, sizes, balance, and spatial relationships.

Question 3. What is your approach to discipline? How do you handle conflicts between children? Do you have a policy for bullying?

This is a crucial age to teach children socially acceptable behavior and working together with families in absolutely necessary. At ICCC we don’t have a specific disciplining procedure. We use modeling and conflict resolution strategies to guide children through the complexities of learning good social skills, empathy and cooperation. At the beginning of the school year in each group, together with children, we establish what is good and what is unacceptable behavior. We use story characters and real life situations to teach continually the rules we agreed, and we equip children with conflict resolution skills. When there are attempts at bullying behavior, we involve parents and look for solutions together, sometimes engaging professionals to help.

Question 4. What kind of communication can I expect from the pre-school? How often will I receive updates about my child’s progress? Is there an open-door policy for parents to speak with teachers?

ICCC is a parent association with an elected Board of Parents that work together with the Director to run the pre-school. The Board takes key policy decisions with the needs of children on top of the agenda. We ensure communication runs both ways, is honest and open.

ICCC values parent-teacher communication and we keep parents informed about the daily activities and their child’s progress through special publications and daily informal exchanges. Parents are encouraged to speak with teachers and staff and share any concerns, feedback, or questions. Formal progress updates are provided twice a year and we run parent-teacher conferences mid-year to talk about the child’s overall development and set goals.

Question 5. How do you handle emergencies or unexpected situations that may arise in the pre-school?

At ICCC, we have comprehensive emergency protocols in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all children and staff in the event of an unexpected situation such as serious injury, fire, or earthquake. Our staff is trained in first aid and emergency response, and we conduct drills to practice our emergency protocols. For less severe situations, such as a child becoming ill or having an accident, we notify parents as soon as possible. Our goal is always to ensure the safety and well-being of children and staff and to handle each situation with the utmost care and attention.

News

Can preschools help kids build essential skills for emloyment

The skills that matter most

How schools fail to develop good employment skills for the future

The head of the National Education Union in UK points out three major factors in school education which stand in the way of building the skills kids need for their successful future employment. These are:

The Great Escape: Surviving Preschool Separation at ICCC

Step 1: The Shoe Moment

Step 2: “I’m Here and Ready to Rock!”

Step 3: The Artistic Prelude

Step 4: Groovy Mornings with Music

Step 5: The Family That Learns Together, Stays Together

Interactive Workshop for Parents and Kids (2-5 years)

ICCC is happy to present Rhino in Disguise, by Anja Nolte, read by the author

If you hear this story, you will become a rhino friend for life!

Join us at ICCC on Saturday, 16 November from 10am at ICCC for the first public book reading of Rhino in Disguise!

International Children’s Creativity Center (ICCC)

Why Limits Are Good For Children

Consistency is Key:

Open Lines of Communication:

Each Child is Different:

Encourage Independence:

Create a Positive Learning Environment:

Establish a Supportive Community:

Here is our advice for parents about the essential questions they should ask when choosing a pre-school for their child.

Question 1. How do you support new children to adjust in the first weeks? Are parents allowed in during the transition period? Is there an adjustment plan or routine you follow? If my child is upset, how do you offer comfort? How long before they go back to normal?

Question 2. Do you have a specific philosophy or approach to learning? Can you give examples of how children learn in your pre-school?

Question 3. What is your approach to discipline? How do you handle conflicts between children? Do you have a policy for bullying?

Question 4. What kind of communication can I expect from the pre-school? How often will I receive updates about my child’s progress? Is there an open-door policy for parents to speak with teachers?

Question 5. How do you handle emergencies or unexpected situations that may arise in the pre-school?

Information

The Great Escape:
Surviving Preschool Separation at ICCC