With the growing number of 'Children’s Groups', the need to ensure their funding and quality arose. The amendment of the Act on Care in the Children’s Groups and a new Decree implemented significant changes, most of them have been in force since October 2021.

Above all, the regular system of funding from the State budget has been introduced. The subsidies from the state budget are determined for places occupied by children whose parents work or study. The maximum amount of fees is set for the subsidised places (only for children under 3 years).

The quality standards have been formulated, focusing on the quality of childcare and meeting the needs of a child, staffing and operational security. The evaluation is carried out by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, which also checks the use of the state allowance. In addition, mandatory in-service training of staff in the length of at least 8 hours per year has been introduced.

Finally, small groups up to 4 children are now available for children from 6 months of age. They can be established not only by employers or other institutions, but also by individual persons with appropriate qualification.

More information on National Education Systems. 

Source:  Eurydice Unit Czech Republic