Here is the key points characterizing Italy’s early childhood education system.Reggio Emilia Approach.A globally recognized child-centered philosophy that emphasizes children’s ability to express themselves through multiple forms of communication (e.g., art, movement, dialogue).Encourages learning through play, exploration, and community interaction.Strong emphasis on project-based learning and collaboration with teachers and peers.Two-Tier System.Nidi d’Infanzia (Nurseries): Cater to children aged 0-3 years, mainly run by municipalities, private organizations, or cooperatives.Scuole dell’Infanzia (Preschools): For children aged 3-6, they are free and part of the national education system, often following Montessori or Reggio Emilia methodologies.Government Investment & European Benchmarks.Italy historically lagged in early childhood education coverage, particularly for children under.The government is investing in expanding services, aiming to meet the EU benchmark of 33% nursery coverage.The National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) includes initiatives to create new preschool facilities.Regional & Municipal Management.Decentralized system: Municipalities play a key role in managing nursery schools.Significant regional differences in accessibility and quality, with the north generally having better resources than the south.Parental & Community Involvement.Italian preschools encourage strong family participation.Parents, teachers, and communities collaborate in decision-making processes, reinforcing a sense of shared responsibility for children’s learning.Focus on Inclusion & EquityPolicies aim to reduce educational inequalities, supporting disadvantaged families with subsidized access to early education.Increasing efforts to integrate children from immigrant backgrounds and those with special needs.Montessori & Other Alternative Pedagogies.Italy is the birthplace of the Montessori method, which remains influential in many preschools.Many institutions blend Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and traditional pedagogies.