Early Childhood Education around the World

Italy is one of the top-ranking nations for early childhood education services. The scuola materne, a ten-month early childhood education program with eight-hour "school" days, is funded by the national government. The program serves children ages three to six and follows strict government-enforced guidelines.

Based on the philosophy of the Maternelle began in France, the Italian program strives to develop children's knowledge, reduce child poverty, promote attention to children in accordance with the UN Convention on children's rights, to increase the participation of children (and adolescents) in social life, to prevent the exploitation of children, and to promote the development of services for children.