interviews: Azarja Grasseli
Trieste has become the first municipality in Italy to adapt its educational services to meet the needs of prematurely born children. A new amendment to the “Regulation for Nursery Schools and Early Childhood Educational Services” allows families to request placement of their children in the younger age group at municipal nurseries based on adjusted age rather than chronological age.
The regulation applies to children born before the 34th week and six days of gestation. Parents can submit a request with medical certification from public healthcare facilities or their pediatrician, using the estimated due date to determine eligibility.
According to Dr. Laura Travan, director of Neonatology at the Burlo Garofolo Maternal-Child Hospital, the measure ensures children receive appropriate neuro-motor stimulation during critical developmental stages. “In the first 24 months, even a few months’ difference can significantly impact development,” she noted.
Online applications for the 2025/2026 school year are open until February 3, 2025, on the city’s education portal. Updated forms reflecting the new policy will be available starting January 21, and families who have already submitted applications will be contacted to update their submissions.
This initiative, approved unanimously by the municipal council, is the first of its kind in Italy and aims to provide targeted support for prematurely born children and their families during early development.
Interviews: Laura Travan,director of Neonatology at the Burlo Garofolo Maternal-Child Hospital; municipal councilor for education, Maurizio De Blasio
