by InTrieste
The regional government of Friuli Venezia Giulia has approved nearly €36 million in funding to help families cover the cost of early childhood education, reaffirming one of its largest family support measures ahead of the 2026–27 educational year.
The package, financed through regional funds and the European Social Fund Plus, will provide monthly contributions of up to €510 for families with multiple children enrolled in early education services and up to €310 for families with one child attending full-time programs.
Regional Councillor for Labor, Education, Research, Universities and Family Affairs Alessia Rosolen said the initiative is intended to ease the financial burden on households while encouraging greater participation in early childhood education.
The regional government allocated €35.95 million for the program, exceeding the estimated funding requirement of €31.34 million. Officials said the available resources are expected to cover both applications already approved and additional eligible requests as spaces become available in participating facilities.
Under the scheme, families with one minor child and an equivalent economic indicator (ISEE) of up to €50,000 will receive €310 per month for full-time attendance at nursery schools or home-based educational services, and €155 for part-time attendance. The same €155 contribution will apply to child-and-parent centers and play spaces.
Families with two or more minor children will be eligible for €510 per month for full-time services and €255 for part-time attendance, with the latter amount also applying to child-and-parent centers and play spaces.
Regional officials said the funding is designed to expand access to childcare services, increase nursery enrollment and help parents balance work and family responsibilities.
In a separate measure, the regional government approved an agreement with the Regional School Office to continue funding Sezioni Primavera—educational programs serving children between 24 and 36 months of age that bridge the gap between nursery care and preschool.
For the 2026–27 school year, participating sections will generally be required to enroll between 10 and 20 children and operate for five to eight hours a day. However, the minimum enrollment threshold will be reduced to five children in mountain municipalities, towns with fewer than 5,000 residents and areas with recognized linguistic minorities, making it easier for smaller communities to offer the service.
Annual grants for participating providers will range from €10,000 to €27,000, depending on enrollment and operating hours. Facilities serving children with disabilities or those facing socio-economic disadvantage will be eligible for a 15 percent funding increase, provided they employ additional educational staff or maintain a lower child-to-educator ratio.
The agreement also sets limits on the fees charged to families. Centers receiving both regional and national funding must keep monthly tuition between €100 and €550, while those participating only in the pilot program may charge between €100 and €750. Additional reductions or exemptions based on household income will remain available.
Regional officials said the expanded funding reflects continued efforts to increase the availability of childcare services across Friuli Venezia Giulia, particularly in smaller and less populated communities where access has traditionally been more limited.
