Report of PROGETTI-Firenze meeting

The three participants of PROGETTI Nonprofit Kft.  have visited the ISTITUTO DEGLI INNOCENTI in Florence.

The nursery is in the center of Florence, in a historic building, in the building of „Istituto degli Innocenti”, which is the oldest Italian public institution for the education of early childhood. It is a public  nursery, the family pay a portion of the monthly fees based on their income (the decision is of the municipal administration).

The rooms are large, bright, with a place to leave the stroller outside and under cover from the rain (this is important because in the center of Florence people move mostly on foot).

The nursery is divided into sections based on age of children (3-12 months, 12-24 months, 24-36 months). Each section includes a room for activities and meals, a room for sleeping, bathroom for children and has acces to the garden, where are different play.

The furniture is colored, simple, and there are equipped spaces for certain types of games (such as the simulation of the kitchen).

There are also areas, which are in turn used by the groups such as „art studio”,  games area (pool balls).

There are 2 disabled children, supported by teachers dedicated to this but not all day. The number of hours of support depends on the needs of the child. Unfortunately also depends on the budget. When there is no teacher support, are the teachers of the group to raise the children.

The teachers feel that the integration of disabled children is very useful for the development of the child, stimulated by the presence of other. In some cases results have been achieved even beyond expectations.

The teachers work in collaboration with other people dealing with child, and collaborate with families of disabled children, supporting parents to have an attitude that is beneficial for the child. The work of the network around the child is very important.