This book aims to reconstruct, at least in part, the history of early childhood education in Ticino, highlighting its main aspects and offering insights through the writings and diverse perspectives of the stakeholders involved, with the goal of fostering dialogue and collaboration for the well-being of children.

In recent years, socioeconomic changes have led more and more families to rely on daycare centers, driving the rapid growth of these facilities, particularly private and partially subsidized ones. In Ticino, there were 73 licensed daycare centers in 2023, serving nearly 4,000 children. Capacity increased significantly between 2012 and 2023, indicating a real need on the part of families.

Born out of a desire to investigate the origins and evolution of such services in the canton, the essay soon evolved into a historical and social reflection, informed by firsthand accounts and the archive of Norberto Bottani, held at the Library of the Department of Education and Learning / University of Teacher Education (DFA/ASP), particularly the collection of documents detailing his “Project de développement Prime Enfance” at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The book is available in digital format at Il nido dell’infanzia.