Frequently asked questions
Giocomotiva welcomes girls and boys aged between 3 months and 6 years in its Nurseries and Pre-schools located in Milan, Florence, and Rome. Depending on the specific facility, enrolment may cover the entire 0–6 age range or specific age brackets, such as 0–3 Nurseries, 12–36 month Micro-Nurseries, or 2–6 Preschools.
Giocomotiva’s educational project stems from nurturing relationships, active listening, and shared participation. The model is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, which views the child as a competent, curious individual capable of building knowledge through direct experience and the “hundred languages”. This vision is integrated with the theory of Multiple Intelligences, which values each child’s unique talents by leveraging individual strengths to nurture every ability. The approach is completed by active and relational learning, natural daily bilingualism, Outdoor Education, and the Atelier approach.
Yes, Giocomotiva is part of the Becoming Education network, an educational project for children aged 0–13. This membership allows the school to benefit from pedagogical research, shared tools, and continuous professional development through the Becoming Academy, while maintaining its local identity.
In Giocomotiva’s educational journey, the child is recognised from the earliest months as a competent, curious, and active protagonist of their own growth. Through direct experience, inquiry, and the “hundred languages” (such as drawing, movement, music, play, and speech), every child is free to explore, ask questions, and construct knowledge, expressing their potential within a welcoming community.
Bilingualism
Yes, Giocomotiva schools offer Italian–English bilingual and Full English Nurseries and Pre-schools. Most locations offer a bilingual track where Italian and English coexist daily; selected locations in Milan and Florence offer the Full English experience, where English is the primary language for all daily activities.
English is not taught as a separate subject, but becomes part of daily life from nursery onwards in a natural, contextualised way. The language is encountered through care routines, play, reading, music, and outings. In bilingual tracks, English Teachers work alongside Italian-speaking educators daily, communicating with the children in English, whereas in Full English locations and sections, English accompanies the entire school day.
No. Learning takes place naturally and without pressure through direct experience and relationships, respecting each child’s individual pace of development.
Daily Life
The day follows a reassuring and regular rhythm that helps children find their bearings and feel secure. It alternates between routine moments (welcome, personal care, changing, communal lunch, and rest tailored to individual needs) and educational or play experiences. Throughout the day, educators offer small-group or large-group activities, atelier explorations, outdoor activities (Outdoor Education), and symbolic or psychomotor play contexts.
Yes, mealtimes are an integral part of the educational journey in all Giocomotiva schools. Depending on the specific facility, meals are prepared either directly in on-site kitchens or provided by selected organic catering services. The menus offered are seasonal, varied, and balanced, developed alongside early childhood nutritionists and approved by relevant health authorities to ensure high quality and food safety standards.
Yes, Outdoor Education is a core principle and a daily way of experiencing Giocomotiva schools across all seasons. Children spend time outdoors in the internal gardens and courtyards of the facilities and explore the surrounding area through Urban Outdoor outings (parks, neighbourhood, squares). Furthermore, for Pre-school children at Milan locations, a weekly day in nature at Bosco in Città and Cascina Carpana is included.
Settling in and Relationship with Families
Welcoming new children into Giocomotiva is a carefully designed process requiring attention and flexibility, tailored to the child’s age, the educational pathway attended (Nursery or Pre-school), and the specific features of each location.
The relationship between Giocomotiva schools and families is daily and built on trust and transparency.
Daily updates regarding experiences, meals, and rest are shared via the Kindertap app.
Learning processes are documented through the monthly class diary and the individual child diary handed out at the end of the year. Throughout the year, periodic individual meetings, section meetings, themed evenings with specialists, and shared celebrations are scheduled, with continuous support from the educationalist.
Inclusion is based on the principle that every child must be able to participate and learn according to their own characteristics, pace, and needs. The educational team, supported by the educationalist and collaborating with families and external specialists when necessary, designs tailored contexts, environments, and strategies to ensure equal opportunities and value every child’s uniqueness.
Admissions and Visits
You can book a visit or register for the Open Days by filling in the contact form available on the pages for each site and under Visit the schools
The school office will contact the family to arrange a suitable date and time. During the visit, which lasts approximately 45–60 minutes, the coordinator will show you around the premises (classrooms, ateliers, outdoor areas) and explain a typical day; the visit does not commit you to enrolment and children are also welcome to attend.
The enrolment process begins by filling out the contact form on the website. The Giocomotiva team contacts the family to provide all necessary information, schedule an introductory tour of the desired location, and guide parents step by step through completing enrolment.
Details regarding fees and enrolment procedures are provided during the introductory visit to the school or by filling out the form on the “How to register” page.