Aragón to Gradually Implement Free Early Childhood Education for Children Aged 0-3
The Government of Aragón has announced the gradual implementation of free education for children aged 0 to 3 years, starting in the 2026-2027 school year with the 2-3 year level for families in need of work-life balance. President Jorge Azcón made this announcement during his speech in the Debate on the State of the Community held at the Aljafería Palace.
Schedule and Scope of the Measure
The implementation of free education will begin in the 2026-2027 school year specifically for the 2-3 year level, directed at families needing to balance family and professional responsibilities. The Aragonese Government aims to progressively achieve free education for all levels in the subsequent school years, although it has requested co-funding for this initiative from the Ministry of Education.
According to President Azcón, this initiative combines significant benefits in three areas. For children, it promotes early socialization and reduces educational and social inequalities. For families, it ensures the reconciliation of work and family life during early childhood and contributes to alleviating family burdens. For schools, it supports educational projects and helps with the integration of the region.
The Aragonese Government currently invests around 20 million euros in this educational cycle. Enrollment rates have reached historic highs, with 41% of children aged 0 to 2 enrolled and over 64% of children aged 2 to 3.
The community is currently developing three lines of work: early enrollment with 77 classrooms serving 746 students, with new classrooms in Plan, Pomar de Cinca, Ontiñena, Albalate de Cinca, Utrillas, Caminreal, Casetas, and Sobradiel. Additionally, it maintains a network of 11 Early Childhood Education Schools serving 826 children, having completed the renovation of EEII Aragón and EEII Monsalud with an investment of over 3.6 million euros. Finally, it finances 167 subsidized nurseries in collaboration with local administrations for 8.8 million euros, incorporating seven new schools in Benasque, La Espuña, Burbáguena, Castellote, Miralmbel, Orihuela del Tremedal, and Miedes.
