The Austrian models
The presented models apply to the capital of Austria, Vienna.
Kindergarten is mandatory for every resident of Vienna who has turned five years old before September 1 of the registration year. Kindergartens must be attended for a minimum of 20 hours per week over the course of four days.
Private and Public Kindergartens in Austria
The main differences between private and public kindergartens in Austria lie in factors such as cost, teacher-child ratio, educational philosophies, and parental involvement. Public kindergartens in Vienna are subsidized by the municipality, making them more affordable for families, with costs typically limited to items like meals, around €60 per month. These kindergartens have larger groups, accommodating up to 25 children per class, and operate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., providing convenience for working parents.
Private kindergartens in Vienna, on the other hand, emphasize a more individualized approach to education, with a focus on parental involvement and additional developmental opportunities. In these settings, parents can play a significant role in contributing to their child’s education.
Types of Private Kindergartens
In Vienna, there are three types of private kindergartens.
DayMother/DayParent
The service is provided in private settings, such as an apartment or a house. Operating hours are from 08:00 to 16:00. The age range of children is from 6 months to 3.5 years, with a maximum of 5 children per group. The caregiver prepares or provides three meals a day – breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. Parents pay approximately €250 per month, 12 months a year. The City of Vienna provides an additional €762.57 per month for each child throughout the year.
Kindergruppe
The children's group is managed by the Association. The facility must meet specific criteria set by the municipality and can only be located on the ground floor. Each group consists of no more than 14 children, cared for by two educators. Children of various ages are placed together in one group. They receive three meals per day. The daycare offers full-day, half-day, or hourly care options. Parents pay a monthly fee ranging from €250 to €700, and municipal funding is provided based on attendance in the group.
Kindergarten
The age of the children ranges from 4 months to 6 years. Group sizes are up to 25 children and may be mixed-age or organized by similar age groups. The kindergarten operates on a full-day, half-day, or hourly basis. Children are provided with three meals a day. Parents pay an average monthly fee of €250, covering 12 months of the year. The City of Vienna provides funding for children based on their age and attendance at kindergarten.
Regulations for Private Kindergartens in Vienna