Objectives and accessibility

Family nursery

The family nursery provides care for children under 3, similar to the former family daycare service, from 20 weeks to 3 years. It can be more easily established, either in the caregiver’s home or in a purpose-built space.

Establishment

Family nurseries are not considered institutions, so some regulations differ from traditional nurseries. Maintainers can be state, non-state (nonprofit or for-profit companies, civil organisations, self-employed entrepreneurs), or church organisations. The maintainer applies to the relevant government office for registration, which is conducted electronically.

Service providers must be:

• Adults,

• Legally competent,

• Of good character,

• Suitable for daycare provision, and

• Successfully completed the legally required course.

Staff must provide health declarations and valid occupational health certificates. Self-employment counts for self-employed entrepreneurs.

Inspection

The government office conducts on-site inspections at least every 2 years, verifying compliance with laws and operating permits. The office may involve a designated methodological organisation as an expert. If deficiencies or legal violations are found, the maintainer is given 20 days to 4 months to correct them.

Financing

Family nurseries may be funded from multiple sources:

• Budgetary support per the annual law,

• Parent fees.

In 2025, central government support is EUR 4 807 per child per year. Most family nurseries (82%) are operated by civil or nonprofit organisations.

Daytime childcare

This service provides age-appropriate care for children not in nursery or kindergarten, or exempt from kindergarten, during school hours, breaks, and holidays. Care is available from 20 weeks old until the end of the school year in which the child turns 14, except for children with special needs or entitled to early intervention, who receive care until the year they turn 16.

Requirements for childminders and child ratios

Family nurseries

In a family nursery, two types of positions can be established:

• Early Childhood Educator (minimum requirements: ISCED 4, 2–3 years of experience)

  • The provider may also employ an early childhood educator with a higher-level qualification, or

• Service Provider

  • Staff must complete the training specified in the ministerial decree defining the qualification requirements for nursery service providers.

A maximum of 5 children can be cared for in a family nursery. If an assistant is employed alongside the nursery service provider, an additional 3 children can be cared for beyond this number.

In a family nursery, if:

• 1 child with special educational needs or entitled to early development and care is cared for, a maximum of 4 children can be accommodated.

• Only children with special educational needs or entitled to early development and care are cared for, a maximum of 2 children can be accommodated.

If an assistant is employed alongside the nursery service provider, then:

• Caring for 1 child with special educational needs or entitled to early development and care: maximum 7 children

• Caring for 2 such children: maximum 6 children

• Caring for 3 such children: maximum 5 children

• Caring for only children with special educational needs or entitled to early development and care: maximum 4 children

Daytime childcare

Under daytime childcare, including children who do not receive other daytime care, a maximum of 7 children can be cared for. Exceptions apply if the service includes children with special educational needs or entitled to early development and care:

• 1 such child: maximum 5 children

• 2 or 3 such children: maximum 3 children

Daytime childcare can only be provided by an adult with a clean criminal record who has successfully completed the course prescribed by the ministerial decree on qualifications for daytime childcare providers.

No funding from the central budget is provided for operating daytime childcare.