About us
A social cooperative created to guarantee South Tyrolean children a carefree, bilingual and safe childhood.
Our history
Popele Società Cooperativa Sociale was founded in 2008 with the aim of offering quality early childhood educational services in South Tyrol. We started with Kita Popele in Sinigo/Merano and in 2013 opened Kita Biene Maia in Lana. Today we run two PAB-accredited micro-facilities welcoming over 45 children every day.
"We believe every child deserves a start in life rich with care, play and discovery. This conviction guides every choice we make."
— Popele Social CooperativeOur values
Bilingualism
Italian and German are not two alternative languages: they are two windows on the world that we open simultaneously to every child.
Respecting each child's pace
Every child grows at their own rhythm. Our educators observe and accompany — never rush.
Community
We are a social cooperative: our mission is the common good, not profit. Parents are an active part of our community.
Continuing education
Staff update their skills annually in health, safety, pedagogy and language — a PAB requirement that is also a core value.
Safety
1:5 ratio guaranteed, HACCP, allergy management, PAB Child Protection Protocol 2019: safety is the primary form of respect for the child.
Transparency
With families, institutions and ourselves. The digital diary, regular assemblies and individual meetings are part of our culture.
Memberships and recognition
We are members of Consis (Consortium of social cooperatives in South Tyrol) and affiliated with Confcooperative. We are registered in the RUNTS as a Third Sector Organisation (former non-profit).
PAB accreditation
Both our facilities are accredited by the Autonomous Province of Bolzano (PAB) as 0–3 year micro-facilities. Accreditation guarantees high quality standards in terms of educator ratio (1:5), staff training and educational project.
- ✓ 1:5 educator ratio (children present per educator)
- ✓ Staff with qualifications recognised by the PAB Family Agency
- ✓ Educational project approved and updated annually
- ✓ Structural IT/DE bilingualism in educational content
- ✓ PAB Child Protection Protocol 2019
- ✓ HACCP requirements for school meals
Come and visit us
We arrange guided tours of our facilities by appointment. It is the best way to get to know us.