Chile’s early childhood education, known as “Educación Parvularia,” caters to children from birth until their entry into primary education. This non-compulsory educational stage is structured into several levels:​es.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3es.wikipedia.org+3

• Sala Cuna Menor: For infants aged 85 days to 1 year.​
• Sala Cuna Mayor: For toddlers aged 1 to 2 years.​
• Nivel Medio Menor: For children aged 2 to 3 years.​
• Nivel Medio Mayor: For children aged 3 to 4 years.​en.wikipedia.org+1en.wikipedia.org+1
• Primer Nivel de Transición (Pre-Kinder): For children aged 4 to 5 years.​
• Segundo Nivel de Transición (Kinder): For children aged 5 to 6 years.​

In 2013, a constitutional reform made the “Kinder” level mandatory, serving as a prerequisite for primary education. ​es.wikipedia.org+3en.wikipedia.org+3es.wikipedia.org+3

The Ministry of Education oversees early childhood education, with services provided by various institutions:​

• Junta Nacional de Jardines Infantiles (JUNJI): Established in 1970, JUNJI manages public daycare centers and kindergartens, emphasizing inclusive education that respects individual differences. ​en.wikipedia.org+2es.wikipedia.org+2es.wikipedia.org+2

• Fundación Integra: A private foundation offering early childhood education services, focusing on comprehensive child development.​

• Municipal and Private Institutions: Both subsidized and non-subsidized establishments provide early education, adhering to national educational standards.​

Despite significant public investment—81% of pre-primary education funding comes from public sources, slightly below the OECD average of 83%—enrollment rates have room for improvement. As of 2016, only 20% of children under 3 and 79% of those aged 3 to 5 were enrolled in early childhood education, compared to OECD averages of 33% and 86%, respectively. ​es.wikipedia.org

The student-to-teacher ratio in Chile is relatively high, with 24 children per educator, nearly double the OECD average. However, when considering all adult staff in classrooms (educators and assistants), the ratio aligns with the OECD average of 10 children per staff member. ​es.wikipedia.org

In summary, Chile’s early childhood education system is characterized by a structured approach catering to various developmental stages, significant public investment, and a commitment to inclusivity. However, challenges remain in increasing enrollment rates and improving student-to-teacher ratios to meet international standards.