Maternelle

Maternelle is the term used in francophone education to describe the early childhood education stage that precedes primary school. It focuses on the development of social, emotional, linguistic, cognitive, and physical skills through play and guided activities. In public education systems that use the term, the program is usually open to children aged about 3 to 6 years and serves as the first systematic exposure to structured learning.

In France and several francophone countries, the education is organized into three sections within the école maternelle: petite section (PS) for roughly ages 3–4, moyenne section (MS) for 4–5, and grande section (GS) for 5–6. There is no formal examination at this level; teachers assess progress through ongoing observation and documentation, and the day typically includes language activities, pre-reading and pre-writing exercises, basic numeracy, arts, physical education, and free play.

Historically, école maternelle expanded in the 20th century as part of broader efforts to provide universal early childhood education. Today, it is often run by public schools or municipal services, sometimes in partnership with crèche or childcare facilities, and attendance can be part-time or full-day depending on the region and family needs.

Globally, equivalents include preschool or kindergarten in many countries. The term maternelle can also appear in contexts referring to a mother-tongue or maternal language (langue maternelle), but in education, it most commonly denotes the preschool stage.