Early childhood, education and care services are intended for children up to the age of 6, i.e. until they start school. It is divided into supplementary childcare for children under the age of 4 and kindergarten oder Basisstufe for children aged 4 and above as part of compulsory schooling (pre-school education).

Daycare centres (ISCED level 010) offer supplementary childcare for children up to the age of 4 before they start kindergarten. Kindergarten (ISCED 020) lasts two years and is based on the Liechtenstein curriculum (Lile).

Childcare services for children under the age of 4 years

Childcare services support families in Liechtenstein. They encourage a better balance between family and working life, support the integration and socialisation of children and promote their development. They are optional services.

Day-care centre (centre-based ECEC)

Daycare centres offer education and care to children from the age of 3 months until they start kindergarten at the age of 4 years. Alongside half-day or full-day sessions, childcare is offered on a more flexible, hourly basis (‘short-term’ care services).

The majority of daycare centres are run by the Daycare Centres Association, which was founded in 1989. There are state-funded and non-state-funded daycare centres.

Kindergarten for children aged 4 and 5 years

Kindergarten and Basisstufe are free of charge and part of the public education system. Children usually attend kindergarten for two years between the ages of 4 and 5. The Basisstufe model may include the first or second year of primary school supporting multi-age learning.

Attendance at kindergarten is generally voluntary. However, once a child is registered for kindergarten, attendance is compulsory. For children whose first language is not German, attendance for the second year (from the age of 5 years) is obligatory.

Children must have reached the age of four by the time they start kindergarten. Kindergarten complements and supports the child's education and upbringing in the family. The child's development is promoted holistically. Particular emphasis is placed on social education and personality development, language, mathematics, sensory and physical training, musical and rhythmic education, and creative activities. Teaching is based on the national curriculum for kindergarten, primary and secondary schools. Public kindergarten are approved by the Office of Education within the Ministry of Education, while private ones are approved by Office of Social Services within the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Structured day programmes 

From the age of 4 years, in addition to the time spent at kindergarten, children can be looked after within structured day programmes. This childcare service covers lunchtime and times before and after the opening hours of kindergartens. Children can attend the structured day programme from 6.30 until starting kindergarten and after kindergarten until 18.30. The Office for Social Services is responsible for licensing and supervision. The respective providers (mostly associations) are responsible for operational management. The municipalities provide buildings and infrastructure. To date, daycare services in Liechtenstein have mainly been run by the Kindertagesstätten association. Services offered: kindergarten/primary school with flexible start times, homework help at school, lunch and supervision before and after school hours by the daycare centres. Additional childcare services are free and can be chosen flexibly.