Course Topics
- The history of the crèche: how it was born and how it developed. - The functions of the crèche in educational, social, political and cultural terms. - The crèche as a place of care. - The role, functions and responsibilities of the childminder. - The educator's tools of the trade: observation, planning, documentation. - Attachment and the reference figure - The child's day in the day care centre. Life times. routines. - The organisation of spaces. The children's groups and sections. The preparation of the environment. The corner, the interest centre, the workshop. - Play and activities in relation to the different ages of the children. - The child with special educational needs - The relationship with families - The open air nursery, the green classroom, the ecological child. - Three great women figures for the crèche: Maria Montessori, Emmi Pikler and Elinor Goldshmied - Presentation and analysis of the "Pedagogical guidelines for 0-3 services of the Autonomous Province of Trento". - Presentation and analysis of the "Reference framework for training, education and care activities for early childhood" of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano List of topics covered: The crèche as a system: - The birth of the crèche in Italy; - Regulatory aspects - The political, social, cultural and pedagogical reasons for the crèche; - The crèche as a social and educational response; - The 'profession' of educator in the crèche. The crèche as a place of life and experience: - The role and function of the setting; - The educational value of the crèche and the role of routines; - The role and functions of spaces and furniture at the day nursery; - The educational day at the day nursery; - Relations with families. The crèche in the education system: - Children's ages at the crèche and development; - Towards the 'emergent curriculum' principle; - The development of the child's "mind" in cognitive, emotional, affective and relational dimensions; - Activities and experiences at the crèche; - The role of play in the crèche. The day nursery in the South Tyrolean and Trentino experience - The pedagogical guidelines for educational services 03.

Propaedeutic courses
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Teaching format
The lesson takes place remotely.

Educational objectives
Specific training objectives of the course The course aims on the one hand to familiarise students with the main characteristics of the crèche and its functioning, and on the other hand to explore the most significant elements of the professional role of the educator working in the field. The main objectives of the course are: - To acquire the basic knowledge of the "daycare system", with particular reference to pedagogical and organisational aspects; - To get to know the most significant elements of children's daily life in the crèche: the organisation of spaces and furniture, of times and routines, of learning and experiences; - To know the main functions (good practices) of the role of the nursery educator; - To know the main theories relating to child development from zero to three years; - Know the main theories of attachment; - Master some observation tools related to the development of the young child The first year of life (the second and third year of life); - To know the main professional skills of the educator working in the crèche.

Additional educational objectives and learning outcomes
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Assessment
The examination consists of an oral test.

Evaluation criteria
For the oral exam, correct and relevant understanding of the required topics and the ability to reflect and engage in critical discussion will be considered and assessed.

Required readings

Fundamental bibliography: Borghi B. Q., (2015) Nido d'infanzia. Buone prassi per promuovere il benessere e la qualità della vita dei bambini, Trento: Erickson. 

Supplementary readings

The bibliography recommended here (and which is therefore not binding) is aimed at the student who is interested in going further into some of the topics that will be developed in the course of the lessons: 

• "Framework of reference for training, education and early childhood care activities" of the Autonomous Province of Bolzano. (the document will be made available by the teacher on request)
• "Pedagogical guidelines for 0-3 services of the Autonomous Province of Trento". (the document will be made available on request by the teacher)
• On the spaces of the nursery school
• : Zanoni R. (2025) Abitare il nido, Trento: Erickson.
• On observation: Sull'osservazione: Molina P. (2023) Il gioco nel primo anno di vita. Trento: Erickson
• On documentation: DADDI Denise (2023). La documentazione al nido passo dopo passo. Strumenti pratici per riflettere, raccontare e costruire la memoria.. Trento Erickson.
• On the development of experiences in science: DEMATTE' V. and ROSSI S. (2024) Esplorare e conoscere il mondo. 25 esperienze per sperimentare la fisica al nido. Trento: Erickson.

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Further information
The teacher will gradually add various materials (slides, handouts, etc.) for further study and integration to the following web page, currently under construction, during the lessons: https://www.accademianaven.org/riflessioni_sull_educazione/collection/8