The directive, published on Monday after getting the approval of Italy’s regional governors, apply to children aged zero to six attending nurseries and kindergartens.
It comes after the ministry was criticised for failing to issue clear instructions with less than a month to reopen on September 14.
“We’re working non-stop everyday to get everyone back to school, from the littlest to the eldest,” Education Minister Lucia Azzolina said.
While the directive is relatively vague, it states that children aged six and under are not required to wear face masks or have their temperature checked at nurseries or kindergartens.
However, teachers and other staff are expected to wear masks, as well as gloves and other protective equipment where necessary.
Kindergartens are advised to split classes into smaller, fixed groups with dedicated supervisors, toys and areas.
While children within each group aren’t required to adhere to social distancing rules, the groups should avoid coming into contact with each other or sharing equipment.
It is up to each region to decide how many children each educator can supervise, though class sizes are expected to be smaller than usual.
The ministry said it is working to hire extra teachers for state kindergartens.
Parents are expected to monitor their children’s health and keep them home if their temperatures rises above 37.5°C, or if they come into contact with a confirmed coronavirus case.
The same rules apply to staff and parents.
Children should be dropped off and picked up by only one parent or guardian at a time.
If possible, drop-off and pick-up should take place outdoors and at separate entrances and exits.
Kindergartens can stagger the process in phases to limit crowding.
Children should avoid bringing toys or other equipment from home; if not, all items must be thoroughly disinfected before being brought onto the premises.
Kindergartens are expected to deep clean and air out all spaces and equipment between uses, as well as making sure that children wash their hands regularly, avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth, and cover their faces when coughing or sneezing.
