The Aragón Early Childhood Education School has inaugurated its new facilities following a comprehensive renovation funded with 1.8 million euros. The Minister of Education, Culture and Sports, Tomasa Hernández, visited the center this Tuesday, accompanied by the Director General of Planning, Centers, and Vocational Training, Luis Mallada, and the school director, Ana Cristina Mazas.
The Expansion of the Government of Aragón’s Early Childhood Education Network
Decree 16/2023, dated February 22, from the Government of Aragón established eleven schools under the autonomous executive, which previously operated as childcare centers. The network includes the following institutions:
- EEI Virgen de la Oliva (Ejea de los Caballeros): comprehensive renovation
- EEI Inmaculada Concepción (Zaragoza): total renovation
- EEI Santa María del Pilar (Zaragoza): re-opened on January 2, 2025 after renovation
- EEI La Paz (Barbastro): partial renovation
- EEI Nuestra Señora de San Lorenzo (Huesca)
- EEI Nuestra Señora de la Alegría (Monzón): partial improvements
- EEI Santo Ángel Custodio (Alcañiz): partial improvements
- EEI Aragón y Monsalud (Zaragoza): re-opening on September 1 after comprehensive renovation
- EEI San Antonio de Padua (Gallur): maintenance work
- EEI Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Calatayud): in the bidding process with a deadline until October 6
Details of the Improvements Made at EEI Aragón
The comprehensive renovation included modifications to the space layout, improved energy efficiency through the replacement of exterior carpentry and façade insulation, renovation of finishes and facilities, compliance with fire protection regulations, enhanced accessibility, updates to outdoor spaces, and renewal of interior equipment.
Specifically at EEI Aragón, restrooms and changing tables were installed in all classrooms, finishes and interior coverings, equipment and furniture, plumbing, electricity, fire protection, anti-intrusion, and air conditioning systems were completely renovated. The air conditioning system incorporates a particularly efficient VRV heat pump. The outdoor areas were upgraded with the replacement of perimeter fencing and improved accessibility through ramps instead of stairs.
Total Investment and Funding Sources
The rehabilitation and adaptation actions in the Government of Aragón’s centers reached 12,089,870.41 euros, while the acquisition of equipment and IT materials amounted to an additional 1,398,605.62 euros. Between 2022 and 2025, funds from the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism (RRM) were allocated amounting to 13,488,476.03 euros, complemented by resources for supplies, maintenance, and teaching and service staff.
The resources allocated for the first cycle of early childhood education, including actions in two-year classrooms, total 21,214,430.68 euros from 2022 to 2025.
New Early Enrollment Classrooms and Agreements
The current academic year features 77 early enrollment classrooms for 2-year-old students, serving 746 students. The towns with new classrooms this year are Plan, Pomar de Cinca, Ontiñena, Albalate de Cinca, Utrillas, Caminreal, Casetas, and Sobradiel. For the 2-year classrooms, a specific allocation of 72,871.59 euros is provided for air conditioning systems in 29 public schools.
The Department funds 167 early childhood schools in partnership with local administrations for 8.8 million euros annually. Seven new agreements have been added: Benasque, La Espuña, Burbáguena, Castellote, Miralmbel, Orihuela del Tremedal, and Miedes.
