Open registration at early-learning centres

foto escoleta 2018 1The education office of the Formentera Council reports on the start of signups, this Thursday, May 3, for 2018-2019 enrolment at the Formentera Council's two nurseries, sa Miranda and es Camí Vell. The last day to register is May 16.

Interested parties can pick up and drop off the registration form at the Citizen Information Office (OAC) May 3-16 from 9.00am to 2.00pm. The office is open Monday to Friday. Forms can also be submitted online, via the Virtual Citizen Information Office, within the same deadline.

The application itself provides families a guide for navigating paperwork (while some documents are required, others are for used for the schools' information only) as well as a roadmap of important dates on the academic calendar.

Families are encouraged to contact both nurseries, or escoletes, directly. Staff at sa Miranda handle inquiries Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm, and es Camí Vell accept information requests Wednesdays from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

CiF education secretary Susana Labrador explained that the admissions process would be the same for both schools, and that applicants would also have the opportunity to note their preference for placement. Incoming students at sa Miranda escoleta must be born in 2016, 2017 or 2018; es Camí Vell accept children born in 2016 and 2017.

Between the two schools, which will remain open year round in 2018, there is space available for a total of 128 children. Staff at the centres consist in 16 instructors, one director and one educational assistant for special-needs children, as well a cook and assistant to oversee kitchen service.

According to Councillor Labrador, early-childhood education is “a great challenge” guided by two grand objectives: “premium quality and zero wait lists”. Though infant education isn't mandatory, she confided, “it is an essential part of balancing one's family and his or her professional career”.