• The association is proud to receive a large number of new full and affiliate members from different European countries, including Belgium, France, Greece and The Netherlands, thus expanding its presence in Western Europe.

Since the association opened its doors to new members last year, non-profit organizations and research or training centers focusing on early childhood development from all over Europe have applied for membership. After a thorough review process by the Board, ISSA’s Council, composed of the association’s full members, have accepted the following applications: Universities and teacher training centers including the Burgas Free University of Bulgaria; the Anthioch University of Los Angeles, USA; the Katholieke Hogeschool VIVES Campus Tielt in Belgium and L'Ecole Sante Social Sud Est (ESSSE) in France. Non-profit organizations including Kinderopvang Humanitas, Aflatoun Child Saving International, Stichting Soft Tulip, Bureau MUTANT and Child Care International in The Netherlands; the Balkan Sunflowers from Kosovo; the Roma Humanitarian Center and the Group for Children and Youth “Indigo” from Serbia; Schedia Centre for Artistic and Pedagogical Training in Greece; the Centre for Innovation in the Early Years (VBJK) in Belgium and the Macedonian Multikultura. Out of these new members, three have been accepted as full members: Bureau MUTANT, Schedia and VBJK. The rest have become part of ISSA as affiliate members. Together with the 35 current members, these organizations will benefit from the trainings, shared learning, events and networking ISSA offers, with the main objective of constantly improving the quality of early childhood services across Europe and Central Asia. ISSA is a vibrant network that connects professionals and non-profit organizations working in the field of early childhood development. Established in the Netherlands in 1999, ISSA’s community today stretches across the globe with its more than 50 members primarily located in Europe and Central Asia. Building upon the Step by Step Program initiated by the Open Society Foundations in 1994, ISSA aims to ensure equal access to quality care and education for all young children from birth to 10 years old. This mission is implemented through three main pillars of action: equal access for all children; promoting high-quality and professionalism in early years services and empowering parents and communities to be part of the children’s development and learning. For more information on ISSA new members, please contact Éva Iszak at eizsak@issa.nl or check the organization’s map at http://www.issa.nl/content/our-members. http://www.issa.nl/content/l/sites/default/files/ISSA%20welcomes%2015%20...