Why France as a model?
For professionals from Russia, France represents a fascinating educational model. With its public and private daycare centers, experimental methodologies, and child-centered approaches, the country seamlessly combines tradition and modernity. The focus on inclusion for children with disabilities, pedagogical innovation, and educator training makes France an inspiring example.
Expectations for this mission were high, as one participant stated before departure: “We want to understand how French structures meet diverse family needs while fostering the overall development of every child.”

Key themes explored

Throughout the study tour, participants engaged in rich and varied discussions. Major themes included:

• Inclusion: welcoming every child, regardless of their needs, into a supportive environment.
• Pedagogical innovation: learning through play, nature, and science.
• Structural management: balancing public funding and local governance.
• Professional development: equipping educators to address modern challenges.
• Bilingualism and multiculturalism: enriching education through diverse approaches.

The program was designed to offer a comprehensive view of the French educational system by highlighting:

• Public establishments, exemplifying effective municipal and national management.
• Private institutions, showcasing autonomy and alternative models.
• Experimental approaches, such as Montessori and bilingual pedagogies.
• Iconic institutions, rooted in French history and tradition.

This curated selection of visits reflected the diversity of French educational offerings, providing participants with a solid foundation for adapting these practices in their own contexts.

Highlights of the program

Cité des sciences et de l'industrie - la Villette
The journey began with an immersion in innovation at the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie, where children as young as two explore science through interactive and playful experiences. Marie-Eve Gouze Puharré, program director, demonstrated how early curiosity could be cultivated to stimulate creativity and cognitive growth.
Key theme: "Scientific exploration as an educational tool."

Crèches municipales de Vincennes and federation of public nursery schools
The Vincennes municipal daycare centers are a model of inclusive and quality management. Marie-Paule Nakach and Sébastien Nourrisson shared strategies for meeting family needs while adhering to national standards.
The visit included a presentation by the National Federation of public nursery school workers, founded in 1901, which supports educators through national congresses and pedagogical conferences.
Key theme: "The structure of preschool education in France and its development pathways."

Groupe scolaire la Salle-Saint-Rosaire
This institution, spanning preschool to high school, exemplified a holistic approach to education. Delegates were impressed by its multilingual curriculum, emphasizing language learning from an early age, and its innovative pedagogical methods promoting autonomy and creativity.
Key theme: "Multilingualism and innovation in education."

"Alie Parusa" bilingual center
This bilingual center for Russian-speaking children serves as a cultural bridge, preserving roots while easing integration into the French educational system. Discussions centered on the benefits of bilingualism and multicultural immersion.
Key theme: "Bilingualism and cultural integration in education."

Montessori school: a child-centered approach
Participants visited a private Montessori school, where children aged 1 to 6 learn through observation and experimentation. The method emphasizes autonomy, individualized learning, and bilingual instruction.
Key themes:

• Organization and management of Montessori schools.
• Personalization of learning experiences.
• Integration of Montessori methods into national educational standards.

Lycée of the legion of honor in Saint-Denis
The visit to the prestigious lycée of the legion of honor in Saint-Denis was a standout moment. Reserved for descendants of legion of honor members, this institution embodies French educational excellence and tradition.
Housed in the historic royal abbey of Saint-Denis, founded under Louis XV, the school blends academic rigor with a deep appreciation of cultural heritage.
Key theme: "Educational excellence and traditions in iconic French institutions."

A transformative journey
Each visit left a profound impression on the participants. “We came to learn, but we’re leaving with much more than ideas,” remarked one delegate.

This study tour was not just an exploration of French educational practices but an opening to a future where early childhood education is inclusive, innovative, and focused on every child’s well-being.