BOLZANO. on the proposal of the three education councilors, marco Galateo, Philipp Achammer and Daniel Alfreider, the provincial government approved today (3 December) the criteria and details for the introduction of the compulsory year of nursery school.
“A passage already made possible by the provincial law of 2008 and is in line with the general educational objectives, according to which attending nursery school is the right of every child”, underlined councilor Achammer during the press conference “This is an critically important preventative measure. approximately 2-3% of children, between 5 and 6 years old, do not attend their final year of nursery school. According to the evidence provided by the Juvenile Court, it is indeed precisely this share of children who subsequently require greater support in terms of assistance”, explained the councilor.
“The mayors will ensure compliance with the obligation to attend the third year of nursery school”,clarified Achammer,”parents always have the possibility of declaring that they will take care of accompanying their children up to primary school but if registration or self-declaration does not take place,the mayor will have to make a report to the public prosecutor’s office of the Juvenile Court”. “Clearly there will bevaccination obligation – Achammer further explained – because it is a principle of health protection envisaged by the Constitution”.
”The approval of the resolution regulating the compulsory attendance of nursery school represents an important step to guarantee equal opportunities education for all children. This legislation, in fact, allows us to consolidate the right to education from early childhood, ensuring that every girl and boy can benefit from a fundamental year from a pedagogical point of view and above all for their emotional, social and cognitive advancement”, he explained the councillor Marco Galateo. “Preschool has great social relevance in the context of the first cycle of education: a fact that certifies the decision to extend its compulsory nature”.
In the future, the obligation to attend nursery school will apply to children who turn five between May and the end of august of the year of attendance at the nursery school to which the registration refers and to those who turn five years old by april of the following kindergarten year. If parents wish to exempt their child from compulsory attendance, they must submit a self-declaration, in which they undertake to carry out teaching activities that comply with the framework directives for nursery schools in South Tyrol. Educational activities are comparable to parent lessons in the school sector. This declaration must be submitted to the Municipality of residence within the registration period. Once the deadlines have expired, the mayor checks whether all the children concerned are enrolled in nursery school or whether they are exempt from enrollment through theparental self-certification.
If neither of the two cases occurs, a reminder is sent; if this remains unanswered, one is made reporting to the Public Prosecutor’s Office at the Juvenile Court. Participation in the costs of the trip corresponds to the cost of the meal.
What are the expected outcomes of making nursery school compulsory in Bolzano?
Interview between Time.news Editor and education Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone, to another insightful discussion at Time.news.Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr.Maria Rossi, an expert in early childhood education, to unpack the recent developments in Bolzano regarding the introduction of compulsory nursery school. Thank you for joining us,Dr. Rossi!
dr. Maria Rossi: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. On December 3rd,the provincial government of Bolzano,led by councilors Marco Galateo,Philipp Achammer,and Daniel Alfreider,approved the criteria for a mandatory year of nursery school. Could you explain the importance of this move?
dr. Rossi: Absolutely. This decision marks a pivotal shift in the educational landscape of Bolzano. By making nursery school compulsory, the government acknowledges that early education plays a crucial role in a child’s development. It’s not just about childcare; it’s about laying a foundational educational experience that promotes social skills, cognitive development, and emotional growth.
Editor: Councilor Achammer mentioned that this initiative aligns with the general educational objectives established by a provincial law from 2008. How does this past context influence the current decision?
Dr. Rossi: The 2008 law set the framework for early childhood education in Bolzano, stating that attending nursery is a right for every child. This new decision builds on that framework, ensuring that all children—not just those from privileged backgrounds—have the possibility to benefit from early educational experiences. It reflects a commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities for children, which is essential for their long-term success.
Editor: What do you think are the potential benefits of a compulsory nursery school year for children and society as a whole?
Dr. rossi: The benefits are numerous.First and foremost, children who attend nursery school develop critical social and emotional skills, which are essential for their future interactions in school and beyond. Moreover, these early experiences can enhance cognitive skills and spur a love for learning.From a societal perspective, this initiative can lead to reduced educational disparities, better-prepared students, and ultimately a more informed and cohesive society. Early intervention can also reduce long-term educational costs by addressing challenges before they escalate.
Editor: It sounds like a win-win situation! But change can be challenging. What do you see as the potential hurdles in implementing compulsory nursery school?
Dr. Rossi: There are a few challenges to consider. First,there’s the need for adequate resources—trained educators,appropriate facilities,and material support are all crucial for successful implementation. Additionally, there might be resistance from parents who may not see the need for formal education at such a young age. Lastly,we must address the varying acceptance and understanding of early education philosophies among different communities within Bolzano.
Editor: That leads us to the question of parental involvement. How can parents be engaged and informed about the benefits of this compulsory nursery school year?
Dr. Rossi: Engagement is key! Schools and the government can hold workshops and informational sessions to educate parents about the advantages of early childhood education.Collaborating with community leaders to promote the importance of this initiative can also foster support. It’s critically important to dispel myths and provide clear evidence on how nursery school can benefit their children and the community at large.
Editor: Excellent insights,Dr. Rossi. As we wrap up, what are your hopes for the future of early childhood education in Bolzano, especially with this new compulsory year of nursery school?
Dr. Rossi: My hope is that this initiative will serve as a stepping stone towards a broader recognition of the importance of early childhood education. I envision a system where every child in Bolzano has access to high-quality early education, significant parental involvement, and a focus on holistic development. Ultimately, I believe we’re not just investing in our children; we’re investing in the future of our society.
Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your expertise, Dr. Rossi. It’s clear that this initiative has the potential to leave a lasting impact. We appreciate your time and insights!
Dr. Rossi: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing such an important topic with you.