France Guide

Preschool Curriculum in France

Everything school owners, directors, and teachers in France need to know about preschool standards, licensing, funding, and choosing a curriculum that meets local requirements.

Start free with IPC How to start a école maternelle in France
National framework
Programme de l'école maternelle (cycle 1) and Cadre national de l'accueil du jeune enfant
Regulator
Ministère de l'Éducation Nationale (maternelle) and PMI / CAF (crèches)
Age range
Birth to 6 years
Typical ratios
1:5 under-walking

France early learning standards

The official curriculum framework for preschools in France is the Programme de l'école maternelle (cycle 1) and Cadre national de l'accueil du jeune enfant.

IPC complements the five learning domains of the maternelle programme and supports bilingual écoles internationales.

Public funding programs in France

École maternelle universelle
Free, compulsory schooling from age 3 in public maternelles.
CAF crèche subsidy (PSU)
Caisse d'Allocations Familiales supports crèche fees based on family income.
Complément de Libre Choix du Mode de Garde
Family allowance helping cover the cost of registered childcare.

How IPC fits preschools in France

IPC gives France preschools 20,000+ ready-to-teach activities, lesson plans, parent reports, and assessment tools that map to Programme de l'école maternelle (cycle 1) and Cadre national de l'accueil du jeune enfant. Trusted by 20,000+ schools and 60,000+ teachers across 98 countries.

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Opening a new setting?

École maternelle startup guide for France

From licensing and ratios to choosing a preschool curriculum, our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to open a école maternelle in France and align it to Programme de l'école maternelle (cycle 1) and Cadre national de l'accueil du jeune enfant.

How to start a école maternelle in France

Frequently asked questions

What preschool curriculum is required in France?
France preschools follow Programme de l'école maternelle (cycle 1) and Cadre national de l'accueil du jeune enfant. IPC complements the five learning domains of the maternelle programme and supports bilingual écoles internationales.
Who licenses preschools in France?
Ministère de l'Éducation Nationale (maternelle) and PMI / CAF (crèches) oversees early childhood settings in France.
What public funding is available for preschool in France?
École maternelle universelle: Free, compulsory schooling from age 3 in public maternelles. CAF crèche subsidy (PSU): Caisse d'Allocations Familiales supports crèche fees based on family income. Complément de Libre Choix du Mode de Garde: Family allowance helping cover the cost of registered childcare.
Can IPC be used as a preschool curriculum in France?
Yes. IPC is trusted by 20,000+ schools across 98 countries. Activities, lesson plans, and assessments map to Programme de l'école maternelle (cycle 1) and Cadre national de l'accueil du jeune enfant.

Related guides for France

How to start a école maternelle in France Compare preschool curriculum models How to start a école maternelle (global overview) Preschool homeschool curriculum