Cost explosion in the Tyrolean kindergarten: parents have to dig deeper into their pockets!

Cost explosion in the Tyrolean kindergarten: parents have to dig deeper into their pockets!

Reutte, Österreich - The discussion about kindergarten tariffs in Tirol picks up speed. The state of Tyrol plans to introduce a uniform tariff design for kindergartens. This could lead to a significant increase in costs for parents. Parents in Reutte currently pay 65 euros per month (without catering) for maximum time care of up to 45 hours a week. From the kindergarten year 2025/26, the uniform hourly rate of 1.05 euros per hour should apply, which would lead to a monthly cost of around 189 euros. Mayor Günter Salchner believes that an immediate increase is unlikely. The changes should not be decided until 2025. In ehenbichl, where kindergarten care is currently free, the new hourly rate will also be introduced from autumn 2025.

The need for uniform tariffs results from the desired "legal claim to impart a care place". This legal claim is not limited to the local community, which makes the introduction of a uniform tariff design all the more important. The new regulation is tested in a pilot project that currently runs in several Tyrolean regions such as Reutte, Tannheimer Tal and Zwischentoren. However, the Lech Valley does not take part.

social suspension and support

The discussion about kindergarten financing also brings with it considerations of social suspension. Mayor Wolfgang Winkler emphasizes the need for the parents' cost sharing and is in favor of introducing a hardship fund in order to support, in particular, single mothers. This could help to mitigate the financial burden on families.

In addition, there are discussions about the introduction of a second "mandatory kindergarten year" in Austria, which could reduce the costs for parents. There is currently a "mandatory kindergarten year", which is only free of charge for the morning care. Funding opportunities were also addressed in the municipal council to support parents in kindergarten fees.

The planning association Reutte-Umgeben will be advised on the new kindergarten fees at the beginning of June. In view of the planned changes, there is already agreement between the mayors that the introduction of the new tariffs could possibly be postponed to February 2026.

In Germany, early childhood education is also a much discussed topic. Here day care facilities are part of child and youth welfare and not anchored in the education system. The legal framework for childcare is regulated at the federal, state and municipal level. The legal claim to funding in day care centers applies from the first year of life.

The debate in Tyrol is part of a greater discourse on the design of early childhood education and support in Austria and shows how important a proactive approach is to support families.

For more information see MeinDeit, tirol orf and Federal Center for Political Education.