Abstract:
In the Province of Reggio Emilia, the development of a system of services (including creches and nursery schools) dovetails with objectives of economic and social growth with a view to increasing the number of women in employment and enhancing their jobs; Emilia Romagna has already, some time ago, achieved and exceeded the goals set by the Lisbon European Council for 2010. Indeed, in the Province of Reggio Emilia, women already account for over 60% of the working population.
Between 1995 and 2005, birth rates in the Emilia Romagna region have increased dramatically with the number of children aged 0-2 rising by over 5,500, from 10,232 to 15,753 (+ 54%). The 3-5 year-old age-group followed a similar trend, with numbers rising from 10,338 to 14,969 (+ 44%) over ten years.
To meet increasing demand, the Province of Reggio Emilia has 130 facilities for 0 2 year-olds overall: 53 municipal creches, 19 private creches which have an agreement with the public sector, 30 nursery groups and creches run by the Italian Federation of Infant Schools, two private creches, 25 municipal supplementary facilities and one approved private supplementary facility. This is in addition to a pilot scheme of home-visiting teachers and small home groups in small upland municipalities. 29.34% of the total number of children in that age group use facilities for 0-2 year-olds, a figure approaching the 33% target set at the 2002 Barcelona European Council. Provision of nursery schools for children aged 3-5 (state, municipal, private with equal status) is particularly extensive, with room for 91.15% of the children who apply. While continuing to develop and enhance childcare services, the Province of Reggio Emilia provides tangible support for the different needs and skills of parents, with whom they share responsibility for children's growth.