The Development of Early Education Programmes in Chile:lessons for the future

The importance of early childhood education has been recognised for a large number of years in Chile. This paper offers an overview of the history of the Chilean Education System and shows how many early childhood programmes have been developed since the first Froebel kindergarten was introduced in the early 1900s. Although many children under the age of six years are involved in municipal education programmes, other programmes offer support for families in need. Of particular interest is the ‘Sala Cuna’ or ‘crib room’ designed for the youngest children (those under two), the law in Chile requiring employers to make provide for the children of working mothers. The paper closes with a discussion of the training of those involved in early childhood education.