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You are here: Home Family & Kids Kids The childcare system in Switzerland
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06/09/2011The childcare system in Switzerland

The childcare system in Switzerland The Swiss childcare system in brief including an introduction to family allowance in Switzerland.

The Swiss childcare system follows the principles of federalism. All tasks are dealt with by municipalities and private organisations, by the cantons and by the federal authorities. Swiss policy is concerned with supporting and respecting the interests of children and young people. Top priority is given to their integration in society.

At the cantonal level, child and youth policy is handled by a number of departments: education, justice, social affairs and health.

For families with babies and young children, one of the first considerations upon arriving in a new country of residence is finding quality international childcare. It is recommended that parents find out about any government childcare subsidies or daycare funding for which they may be eligible.

Kindergarten
Swiss kindergartens are neither a pre-school, nor a creche for small children. Their aim is to encourage children to develop their ability to express themselves and be creative. It is not compulsory to attend kindergarten. Children do not learn how to read and write in kindergarten. They attend to develop social capabilities and learn to pay attention to the teacher. Children attend kindergarten for one or two years. They usually go to kindergarten when they are five or six years old, as they are supposed to start school at the age of seven.

Family allowance
Each canton has its own family allowance legislation. Depending on the canton, the self-employed -- with the exception of those in the agricultural sector -- may be eligible for family allowances. All salaried employees are eligible for family allowances. Part- time workers are also entitled to the full family allowance.

Benefits take the form of family allowances of at least CHF 200 per child, per month (for children up to the age of 16 and for children up to the age of 20 who are unable to work) and education allowances (for 16- 25 year olds still in education) of at least CHF 250 per child, per month. Some cantons may grant benefits that are higher than the legal minimum.

All employers must register with a family compensation fund (FAK) in the canton where they are domiciled.

Petya Vetseva / Expatica


Sources:

http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/country_information/country_profile/Education.html?cid=4176606

http://www.bsv.admin.ch/index.html?lang=en

http://www.swissworld.org/en/

http://www.bsv.admin.ch/themen/kinder_jugend_alter/00066/index.html?lang=de

http://www.ekkj.admin.ch/



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