A court in Rio de Janeiro has mandated that the city of Nova Friburgo must continue offering full-time education in early childhood programs. This ruling comes after a request from the Public Ministry of the State of Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ), ensuring that the municipality will reopen enrollment for the 2026 academic year with the same number of spots and daily hours as in prior years. Specifically, the required daily education hours range between 10 and 12 for preschool classes I and II.

The MPRJ's case centered on preserving the quantity and quality of early childhood education, emphasizing the need for children in the municipality to have access to extended hours similar to what has been offered in previous years. The court's decision originates from the 1st Family, Childhood, Youth, and Elderly Court, reinforcing the judiciary's role in upholding educational standards and ensuring that municipalities adhere to legal obligations regarding public education.

This ruling is significant for the residents of Nova Friburgo and reflects broader themes of educational rights and governmental accountability in Brazil. It highlights the ongoing struggle to maintain quality educational opportunities amid changing administrative policies, underscoring the critical importance of legal frameworks that protect children's access to education, especially in regions that may face resource constraints.