Canary Islands Early Childhood Education Pilot Program Modifications

Overview

The Canary Islands government has announced modifications to its pilot programs for early childhood education, specifically for the first cycle of Preschool.

After reviewing recent proposals, authorities will now establish mixed-age classrooms that combine first, second, and third-year students to better meet the actual enrollment needs.

These changes aim to optimize public education resources and ensure more children have access to quality early education.

Previous and New Classroom Configurations

• Previously, the government authorized separate classrooms for second and third-year students and for first-year students in the 2022-2023 and 2025-2026 academic years.
• The new adjustments allow for flexible grouping, where some schools will host mixed classrooms that include students from all three years of the first cycle, particularly in centers where enrollment numbers do not meet the initial plan.

Rationale and Legal Framework

This expansion responds to the legal framework emphasizing the importance of accessible, high-quality early childhood education.

It aligns with national laws promoting the increase of public preschool places for children aged 0-3, especially for those aged 1 and 2, ensuring a more inclusive and adaptable approach.

Impacts for Families

• For expats and residents, these developments mean better access to public childcare options, which are vital for working families and those unfamiliar with the local education system.

Implementation Details

The official order, signed on December 29, 2025, by Canary Islands’ Education Minister Hipólito Suárez, will be published officially and provides details on the new classroom configurations and implementation timeline.