The Aragón Early Childhood Education School has inaugurated this school year its new facilities after a comprehensive renovation valued at 1.8 million euros. The Councillor for Education, Culture, and Sports, Tomasa Hernández, visited the center accompanied by the General Director of Planning, Centers, and Vocational Training, Luis Mallada, and the Director Ana Cristina Mazas.
Network of Regional Schools and State of Reforms
By Decree 16/2023 of February 22, eleven schools of the Aragonese Government were created that previously were considered daycare centers. The schools and their current status are: EEI Virgen de la Oliva (Ejea de los Caballeros), EEI Inmaculada Concepción (Zaragoza), and EEI Santa María del Pilar (Zaragoza), all with completed full renovations; EEI La Paz (Barbastro), EEI Nuestra Señora de la Alegría (Monzón), and EEI Santo Ángel Custodio (Alcañiz) with partial renovations; EEI Nuestra Señora de San Lorenzo (Huesca); EEI Aragón and EEI Monsalud (both in Zaragoza) reopened on September 1 following a comprehensive renovation. In the EEI San Antonio de Padua (Gallur), maintenance works are being carried out, while the EEI Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Calatayud) is currently in the bidding process with a deadline until October 6, being executed with departmental own funds.
Specific Improvements in EEI Aragón
The renovation has included restrooms and changing tables in all classrooms, complete renewal of finishes, interior cladding, equipment, and furniture. Plumbing, electricity, fire protection, intrusion protection, and climate control systems have been updated, incorporating a VRV heat pump for greater energy efficiency. The outdoor spaces have been adapted with the replacement of the perimeter fencing and improved accessibility through ramps instead of stairs.
Total Investment and Financing
The rehabilitation and conditioning actions have amounted to 12,089,870.41 euros, plus 1,398,605.62 euros for equipment and computer materials. MRR funds between 2022 and 2025 were allocated for 13,488,476.03 euros, adding resources for supplies, maintenance, and personnel. The total resources for the first cycle of early childhood education reach 21,214,430.68 euros from 2022 to 2025.
Expansion of Services in the Community
This school year features 77 early schooling classrooms (2 years) serving 746 students, with new classrooms set up in the towns of Plan, Pomar de Cinca, Ontiñena, Albalate de Cinca, Utrillas, Caminreal, Casetas, and Sobradiel. The Department funds 167 agreed-upon nurseries with local administrations with 8.8 million euros, adding seven new ones: Benasque, La Espuña, Burbáguena, Castellote, Miralmbel, Orihuela del Tremedal, and Miedes.
For the 2-year classrooms, a specific investment of 72,871.59 euros in air conditioning systems is planned, which will benefit 29 public schools in the community.
