What Every Parent Should Know About Italian Kindergarten Rules

Naturalmente
Jun 5
2 min read

Updated: Jun 13

Thinking of Enrolling Your Child in an Italian Kindergarten? Here’s What to Expect.

Choosing a kindergarten in Italy is about more than just picking the nearest school — it’s about understanding the system that supports your child’s early education. From national laws to local enrollment rules and inclusion policies, here’s a practical guide to help you navigate it all with confidence.

1. National Framework: What the Law Says About Early Education

Italy’s kindergartens (known as scuole dell’infanzia) operate under national education laws, particularly those set by the Ministry of Education (Ministero dell’Istruzione). One of the cornerstones is the Good School Law (Legge 107/2015), which emphasizes not just academic development but also emotional and social learning.

Key takeaways:

Focus on inclusive, holistic development
Mandates support for children from diverse backgrounds, including those with special needs
Detailed guidelines are published on the Ministry’s website

Tip: Familiarize yourself with national curriculum goals to better evaluate a school’s approach.

2. Local Rules Matter: Enrollment Depends on Your Municipality

While the national guidelines lay the foundation, your local Comune (municipality) handles the actual enrollment process for public kindergartens. This means that requirements can vary depending on where you live.

You’ll typically need:

Application form (available online or at municipal offices)
Proof of residence
Your child’s health and vaccination documents

Enrollment usually opens early in the calendar year, and slots can fill quickly. Some cities also offer financial support for low-income families.

Check your Comune’s website for deadlines and eligibility criteria:

3. Special Support: A Country Committed to Inclusion

Italy is internationally recognized for its inclusive education system. According to Law 104/1992, kindergartens must accommodate children with physical, cognitive, or emotional disabilities.

Support services may include:

Individualized education plans (PEI)
Learning support teachers or assistants
Adapted learning environments

Before enrolling, ask the school about their support infrastructure — it may vary between public and private institutions.

4. Safety First: Health Regulations You Should Know

All Italian kindergartens must comply with strict safety and hygiene standards. From trained staff to clean classrooms and proper teacher-to-child ratios, these regulations are there to protect your child’s well-being.

What to look for:

First-aid certified staff
Emergency protocols and evacuation plans
Clear policies on hygiene and illness prevention

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Understanding how kindergartens operate in Italy can help you make smarter decisions for your child’s early education. Whether you’re navigating local enrollment or exploring special needs support, the resources are there — you just need to know where to look.

More helpful resources: