Training and inclusion at age 0-6 years: the situation in Italy

Recent regulations in Italy have introduced new nationwide rules that provide for an integrated educational and training pathway between kindergarten (0-3 years) and preschool (3-6 years). The new regulations call for kindergarten educators and preschool teachers to discuss and collaborate to ensure continuity in pursuing educational goals. The contribution will present the results of qualitative research involving 23 service managers (11 school heads and 12 educational coordinators) on the opportunities and problems related to the implementation of the new regulations. Special attention in the survey was paid to the issue of the inclusion of children with disabilities and the training of operators in the new integrated education system. The research reveals a great interest on the part of the service managers for synergic work that allows for valid and effective pedagogical paths for children in the 0-6 age group, and at the same time a series of concerns regarding staff training, the sharing of training objectives and the involvement of families.