Valencia, the third-largest city in Spain, embraces early childhood education through a blend of national guidelines and strong regional identity. Following Spain’s “Educación Infantil” framework ([Reference 1]), Valencia ensures free access to the second cycle (ages 3–6), with a curriculum focusing on personal development, language acquisition, and emotional education.
The Valencian Community promotes bilingual education, balancing Spanish (Castilian) and Valencian (a variety of Catalan) as co-official languages ([Reference 2]). In many public preschools (“Escoles Infantils”), children are immersed early in both languages, fostering bilingual fluency and cultural pride.
Valencia also actively supports inclusive education through initiatives like the “Pla de Millora” (Improvement Plans) targeting social cohesion and additional support for children with special needs ([Reference 3]).
As a kindergarten director, I find Valencia’s approach exemplary—building strong roots in both linguistic and emotional development, preparing children to engage confidently and compassionately in a diverse society.

References:

• [1] Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training: Structure of Educación Infantil

• [2] Generalitat Valenciana: Language Policy in Education

• [3] Generalitat Valenciana: Pla de Millora (Educational Improvement Plans)

スペイン第3の都市バレンシアは、国の「幼児教育（Educación Infantil）」制度に準じながらも、地域独自の文化と教育への強い誇りを反映した取り組みを展開しています。
3〜6歳の第2サイクルは無償で提供され、個人の発達、言語習得、情緒教育がカリキュラムの中心に据えられています。
バレンシア州では、スペイン語（カスティーリャ語）とバレンシア語（カタルーニャ語の変種）が共に公用語とされており、多くの公立幼稚園（Escoles Infantils）では両言語を幼児期から自然に習得できるよう、バイリンガル環境が整えられています。
また、すべての子どもが平等に学べる環境づくりを目指し、「教育改善計画（Pla de Millora）」を通じた支援も積極的に行われています。特別支援を必要とする子どもたちへの配慮も厚く、地域社会全体で教育の質を高めようとする努力が感じられます。
バレンシアの、言語的・情緒的な豊かさを育む教育アプローチは、多様な社会において子どもたちが自信を持って歩んでいくための大切な基盤となるでしょう。

Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia, blends Spain’s national early education framework with strong regional characteristics. Early childhood education (“Educació Infantil”) is divided into two cycles: 0–3 years and 3–6 years ([Reference 1]). The second cycle (ages 3–6) is free and universally available, with a curriculum emphasizing personal autonomy, communication skills, and cultural identity development ([Reference 2]).
Barcelona places strong emphasis on Catalan language immersion alongside Spanish, reflecting the region’s commitment to bilingualism. Public preschools (“Escoles Bressol”) often prioritize Catalan as the primary language of instruction ([Reference 3]).
Additionally, the city promotes innovative educational models, including project-based learning and outdoor education, and has invested in child-centered, inclusive environments to support emotional and cognitive growth.
As a kindergarten director, I find Barcelona’s model especially inspiring—showing how early education can simultaneously nurture linguistic richness, cultural identity, and a child’s independent spirit in a vibrant, inclusive setting.

References:

• [1] Generalitat de Catalunya: Educació Infantil Structure Overview

• [2] Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training: Second Cycle Free Early Childhood Education Policy

• [3] Barcelona City Council: Language Policy in Early Childhood Education