I was finally able to connect with a foreign colleague through a former employee of mine, Holly, who had a friend who resided in Italy.Holly's friend was able to obtain for me the email of a Preschool teacher Kirsten Scriven who teaches in Rome. Kirsten's school is not directly affected by poverty. The area in which she works and resides is relatively tranquil. Her school is a private Catholic school which caters to a community that is primarily elite and well to do.These families prioritize a Catholic and bilingual upbringing for their children. Like the United States, Italy does not provide much in the way of public childcare. Although there are obviously those who face poverty in the surrounding areas it is not something that is readily discussed in her community other than in charity events and such situations. That being said Italy is facing an economic crunch. Kirsten tells me this is even felt by the well to do families of her school who have been eschewing enrollment in Kindergarten and upper grades of the school in favor of free public primary education. Italy seems to be similar to our own nation in terms of discussion about Universal preschool and such opportunities. This who teach in Italy however seem to fare better salary wise. The average preschool teacher in Rome earns about $42,000.00, basically equal to Administration pay here.