1. INTERNATIONAL VISITS
Milan visit
On 6, 7, and 8 May 2024, the city of Milan presented its model of early childhood provision. Several innovative nursery schools were visited, and key challenges currently being addressed were discussed, including the inclusion of children with special needs and diverse backgrounds; ensuring educational continuity across the entire 0–6 age span; and strengthening connections between indoor and outdoor learning environments in nursery settings. The visit concluded with a tour of LABZEROSEI, a centre focused on innovation and new perspectives in ECEC services.
Barcelona visit
On 17, 18, and 19 June 2024, Barcelona presented its early childhood education and care model, along with several ongoing challenges in improving provision for children and families. These included inclusion and attention to diversity; rethinking nursery schools in the context of the climate crisis through the lens of climate justice; the community dimension of early childhood services; and support for early literacy among children and their diverse and unequal family contexts (Projecte BBB Bressol, Biblioteques i Books).
Tampere visit
On 30 September and 1 and 2 October 2024, the city of Tampere presented its universal model of provision for all children aged 0 to 6 and their families. Key features include strong integration between ECEC services and the health sector; family centre activities and family clubs; support for children with special educational needs; and strategies for addressing the challenges of multiculturalism and multilingualism. Visits to several nursery schools, along with discussions with municipal professionals, specialists, and educational teams, proved highly enriching.
