Toulouse, a vibrant city in southwestern France, combines France’s structured national early childhood education framework with a strong regional identity. As in all of France, children generally begin “école maternelle” at age three under the national curriculum ([Reference 1]), focusing on language, social skills, creativity, and early cognitive development.
Given Toulouse’s cultural richness and Occitan heritage, there is significant local promotion of bilingual education, notably French-Occitan programs ([Reference 2]). This reinforces linguistic diversity from an early age and nurtures a strong sense of regional identity alongside national cohesion.
Toulouse also participates actively in national educational priority initiatives, such as the “REP+” networks ([Reference 3]), to address educational inequalities, particularly in socioeconomically disadvantaged districts.
Moreover, Toulouse’s municipal government invests heavily in modernizing preschool infrastructure, creating child-centered, environmentally sustainable learning spaces.
As a kindergarten director, I find Toulouse’s blending of academic rigor, cultural preservation, and innovative educational environments a compelling example of how early education can honor tradition while embracing the future.

References:

• [1] French Ministry of Education: National Curriculum for École Maternelle

• [2] Occitan Language Promotion Initiatives, Toulouse City Council

• [3] REP+ Priority Education Networks, French Ministry of Education