Medical documents
To ensure a safe and healthy environment for all children, Bulgarian authorities require the following documentation to be presented before the child’s first day at kindergarten or nursery. Both international and local families must do the following before the child begins kindergarten or nursery:
1. Laboratory Tests
Your child will need several routine lab tests before starting. Recommended timing: about one week before the first day of school.
Most medical laboratories offer a special “nursery/kindergarten package.”
Required tests for all children:
- Blood test
- Urine test
- Stool sample test
- Pinworm “scotch tape” test (for intestinal parasites)
Additional requirement (children under 3 years old):
Wassermann blood test for one parent
(Not needed if the parent has a valid result from the last 6 months.)
Children 3 years and older: the parent Wassermann test is not required.
Please ask the laboratory to provide printed, signed test results if possible.
What to bring to the laboratory
Purchase these items in advance from any pharmacy:
- Stool sample container
- Urine sample container
- Microscopic glass slide for the pinworm test
At the lab:
- They will collect a finger-prick blood sample from your child.
- For children under 3, one parent will also give a finger-prick blood sample for the Wassermann test.
2. Health Card from Your GP or Pediatrician
Your child’s doctor will:
- Perform a routine health check
- Record your child’s current health status
- List all vaccinations completed so far
Important: Bulgarian regulations require that all compulsory vaccinations are up to date for children attending nursery or preschool. If you have questions, please speak with the ICCC Director.
The health card is called “zdravno profilaktichna karta.”
It may be completed electronically, or your doctor may ask you to buy a printed form from a stationery shop beforehand.
3. Statement of No Contact with Infectious Diseases
Please ask your GP for a statement confirming that your child has not been in contact with infectious patients.
This document should be requested during your GP visit.
If you need any help with this process, contact our team!
Snezhana Daneva is a Director at ICCC since September 2010. She gained experience in teaching, marketing and client relations, as well as cultural diplomacy and regional project management after a diverse career at the British Council in Bulgaria and in the UK. She worked as a volunteer in not-for-profit organizations related to child birth and child care.
Snezhana has MA in Education Management and MA in English and American Studies from Sofia University, and Management Certificate and Diploma from Open University, UK. Her recent Education Management degree thesis focused on children’s social-emotional development in the early years, comparing government standards and practice in Bulgaria and in the United Kingdom.