Bulgaria school year start: Parental guidance and labor rights

As the new school year approaches on September 15, parents in Bulgaria are preparing for the logistical and emotional challenges of sending children back to the classroom. Beyond the physical preparations of school supplies and clothing, experts suggest focusing on building a child's confidence by involving them in the process and validating their anxieties about new environments.

Regarding employment, September 15 is not an automatic public holiday under the Labor Code. Parents wishing to attend their children's first day must coordinate with employers. Options include requesting paid annual leave or utilizing Article 167b of the Labor Code, which allows parents of children under 12 to propose flexible working arrangements, such as remote work or adjusted hours, to better balance professional and family responsibilities.