Article Link: http://www.exchangepress.com/article/a-program-showcase-cole-maternelle-du-port/5018678/
In France, an école maternelle, which serves primarily children aged three to five, is generally divided into three sections: Petite (3-4 years), Moyenne (4-5), and Grande (5-6). There are typically 24 to 30 children per class, each of which has one Maîtresse (female teacher) or Maître (male teacher) and generally an Aide Maternelle (aide). A facility also has kitchen staff and may have a secretary. Early childhood programs share a visiting psychologist, specialized teachers for children with problems, and a nurse and doctor. The director and the teachers are French civil servants and paid by the Ministry of Education. Others are paid by the Town Hall. School buildings are owned by the cities that are responsible for all costs and building maintenance.
The École Maternelle (EM) du Port in Nice has 136 children this year, divided into five classes. In France, directors also work as teachers, often spending fours days per week in the classroom and only one day managing the program. Programs operate six hours per day, four days a week. Parents pay only for meals and before/after school care. Director Valérie Coupard notes, “With the significant number of pupils, I often organize my class like in ...