• Three more members from The Netherlands and two from Bulgaria have just joined the network, contributing to expanding ISSA’s presence across Europe.

After the incorporation of 15 new members two months ago, ISSA is proud to welcome five more organisations focused on early childhood development from The Netherlands and Bulgaria. ISSA’s Board has recently accepted the following applications: Sardes – Through its 20 experts, this Dutch organisation provides research, training and development of materials on early childhood education, language skills, special educational needs and expanded learning opportunities at all levels: from local authorities to governmental bodies, both in The Netherlands and abroad. Fysio Educatief B.V. – This Dutch publisher of educational resources is specialized in health education for children, working together with various professionals and sharing knowledge about preventive health care. This social entrepreneur is also the initiator of the international WISHES network (Working Internationally on Social development and Health in European Schools and families). National Network for Children – Based in Sofia, the network brings together 122 non-profit organisations from Bulgaria working with children and families. Focused on chidren’s rights, it implements different programs on child protection and develops policies to lobby and advocate at national level. Worldwide Foundation for at Risk Children – This Bulgarian non-profit organization is part of the Worldwide Orphans Foundation. Through them, many projects are being implemented in government orphanages across Bulgaria since 2004 with the aim of addressing attachment disorder and developmental delays in institutionalized children. Stichting Jeugd en Samenleving Rijnland – This Dutch organisation works for the early childhood development of children in the area of Holland Rijnland. It organises different activities like home visits, mentoring, summer camps and outdoor playing events as well as advocacy initiatives aiming to promote equal access to all children regardless of their religion, social and cultural backgrounds. With these new members, ISSA today has 55 members in total, a growing network through which member organisations can exchange, learn and have a stronger voice and contribution in the field of Early Childhood Development across Europe and Central Asia, working together towards creating the best opportunities in life for all children. 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’s new members, please contact Alejandra Mahiques at amahiques@issa.nl or check the organisation’s map. http://www.issa.nl/sites/default/files/ISSA%20welcomes%20five%20new%20me...