This paper examines the provision of out-of school care in Bulgaria as an important topic within the debate on gender equality. The problem is recognized as a key issue of demographic development and reconciliation between work, private and family life in Bulgaria. The National Strategy for Encouraging Gender Equality for the period 2009-2015 specifies the need to stimulate gender equality in reconciliation professional and family life, particularly child care, as national target. From this point of view the author outlines the progress of the implemented policies during the last twenty years in the organization of out-of-school services, as well as their availability, quality, flexibility and affordability. The author outlines the efforts of the policy makers to increase the acceptability and affordability of the provided services and the need of more strict control and further develop the quality of the provided services.
