Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country, reflects a strong regional identity within Spain’s national early childhood education framework. Following the “Educación Infantil” structure ([Reference 1]), children have universal and free access to the second cycle (ages 3–6), focusing on emotional, language, and cognitive development.
In Bilbao, bilingual education is emphasized through the “Modelo D” system ([Reference 2]), where Basque (Euskara) is the primary language of instruction, promoting fluency alongside Spanish. Many preschools offer full Basque immersion or bilingual models, reinforcing regional cultural identity from an early age.
The Basque government also invests in early education innovation through initiatives like “Heziberri 2020” ([Reference 3]), which encourages child-centered learning, outdoor education, and family engagement.
As a kindergarten director, I find Bilbao’s integration of linguistic heritage, strong academic structure, and emphasis on child-centered growth a remarkable model—showing how education can nurture deep roots while fostering open, inquisitive minds.

References:

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

• [2] Basque Government: Language Models in Education (Modelo D System)

• [3] Heziberri 2020: Basque Early Childhood Education Strategy

バスク地方最大の都市ビルバオは、スペイン全国の「幼児教育（Educación Infantil）」制度に基づきながらも、強い地域アイデンティティを反映した教育モデルを展開しています。
3〜6歳の第2サイクルは無償で提供され、情緒、言語、認知能力の発達が教育の柱となっています。
ビルバオでは「モデルD（Modelo D）」と呼ばれる教育体系のもと、バスク語（Euskara）を主言語とするバイリンガル教育が推進されており、幼児期からバスク文化への誇りとスペイン語との両立を図っています。
さらに、バスク政府は「ヘジベリ2020（Heziberri 2020）」という教育改革計画を推進し、子ども主体の学び、自然体験型教育、家族参加型学習の強化に力を入れています。
言語文化の継承と、自由で探究心に満ちた心を育むビルバオの教育アプローチは、子どもたちが深い根を持ちながら、広い世界に羽ばたくための確かな土台を築く手本といえるでしょう。

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, combines Spain’s structured early childhood education system with a strong cultural heritage. In line with the “Educación Infantil” framework ([Reference 1]), Seville offers universal and free access to the second cycle (ages 3–6), with a curriculum centered on emotional, language, and social development.
The Andalusian government implements additional measures through the “Plan de Atención a la Diversidad” ([Reference 2]), providing tailored support for children with special educational needs (SEN) and ensuring inclusive education across public preschools (“Escuelas Infantiles”).
In Seville, cultural education is also emphasized from an early age. Programs often integrate local traditions such as music, dance (including flamenco), and storytelling to foster children’s cultural identity and expressive skills ([Reference 3]).
As a kindergarten director, I find Seville’s holistic approach—nurturing both the mind and the spirit through academic, emotional, and cultural education—a powerful model of how early learning can root children deeply in their heritage while preparing them for a diverse, global society.

References:

• [1] Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training: National Curriculum for Educación Infantil

• [2] Junta de Andalucía: Plan de Atención a la Diversidad (Diversity Attention Plan)

• [3] Seville City Council: Cultural Education Initiatives in Early Childhood