Madrid, Spain’s capital, reflects the country’s structured and increasingly accessible approach to early childhood education. Spain divides early education (“Educación Infantil”) into two stages: 0–3 years (first cycle) and 3–6 years (second cycle) ([Reference 1]). While the first cycle is optional and often fee-based, the second cycle is free and universally available ([Reference 2]).
In Madrid, public preschools (“escuelas infantiles”) and pre-primary classrooms attached to primary schools offer structured programs focusing on emotional development, language acquisition, and early mathematical reasoning, following the national curriculum under the “Ley Orgánica de Educación” (LOE/LOMLOE) ([Reference 3]).
Bilingual education (Spanish-English) is strongly promoted through the “Bilingual Education Program” implemented across many public schools. Additionally, special support is available for children with developmental needs, ensuring inclusive education.
As a kindergarten director, I find Madrid’s combination of structured early learning, linguistic immersion, and support for diverse learners to be a thoughtful and forward-looking model for early childhood education.

References:

• [1] Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training: Overview of Early Childhood Education (Educación Infantil)

• [2] Comunidad de Madrid: Free Access to 2nd Cycle of Educación Infantil

• [3] Organic Law of Education (LOE/LOMLOE), Spanish Education Legal Framework