Italy has some of Europe's most affordable early years childcare provision—if you can secure a spot. Overall, childcare in Italy is more affordable than in most other European member states. In the south of the country it’s particularly common (and, culturally, sometimes expected) for grandparents to provide extensive childcare. Securing a childcare place in ItalyGetting a public asilo nido place requires applying by April 15th at the latest for a start in September or October, so you'll need to plan ahead. AdvertisementOther optionsFor those who struggle to secure a childcare place, there are other options available but private childcare is of course much more expensive.