In Italy, nido d’infanzia is the official name for what in english is called a nursery school. It is the first step in formal early education, for children from 3 months to 3 years old, before preschool. A nido is not just daycare: it provides care, learning, and social experiences. It also helps families balance work and family life.
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How Public Nurseries Work
Public nurseries are managed by the local municipality (Comune), just like school public transport. Some are run in partnership with cooperatives or non-profit organizations. They offer:
- Age-based groups, usually: 0-12 months, 12-24 months, and 24-36 months
- Qualified staff: trained educators, teachers, and assistants
- Learning and play activities to support language, movement, social skills, and independence
- Healthy meals and safe indoor and outdoor spaces
Public nurseries are cheaper than private ones, with fees often based on family income. Admission is generally through a public waiting list, unlike private nurseries that may accept children anytime if space is available.
How to Apply
The application process is slightly different in each city, but usually follows these steps:
- Check the notice (“bando”): Each year, usually from March to May, the municipality publishes the rules for nursery applications. The notice explains deadlines, documents, and priorities.
- Fill out the application: You provide your child’s age, personal details, and family information. Applications may be submitted online or on paper.
- Attach documents: Commonly required documents are your child’s and parents’ tax codes (codice fiscale), proof of residence, and an ISEE certificate if you want the fee to be based on income. You can also attach documents showing priority conditions (working parents, siblings already in the nursery, social or health needs).
- Waiting list and scoring: Applications are ranked according to criteria like child’s age, family income, parental work status, and special needs.
- Result and confirmation: Families are notified if their child is accepted. You then confirm the enrollment and pay the fee if required.
Who Can Apply
To attend a public nursery, families usually need:
- Residency in the city where the nursery is located (sometimes nearby towns can apply, with lower priority)
- Child in the correct age range (3 months – 3 years)
- Complete documentation, including ISEE if required
- Priority situations include working parents, single parents, siblings already attending, or special social or health needs
Early Educational Inequality in Italy
The truth is, not all children in Italy have the same chances when it comes to early education. Some cities have plenty of nurseries, while in smaller towns it’s harder to find a spot. Public nurseries are often limited, and private ones can be very expensive. This means that some children start life with fewer opportunities to play, learn, and socialize in a structured environment.
It’s a real challenge for families who want the best for their kids but struggle with availability or cost. More public, affordable nurseries would make a huge difference, giving every child a fair start and helping parents feel supported instead of stressed. Early education shouldn’t depend on where you live or how much you earn—it should be a chance for all children to grow, explore, and thrive from the very beginning.
