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Nurseries and daycares in Switzerland

Nurseries and daycares in Switzerland

Finding a place in daycare is a challenge. We help you navigate waitlists and registrations.

The demand for daycare places far exceeds the supply in most Swiss cities. Waiting lists can last 6 to 18 months. There are several types of structures: municipal or private crèches, daycare centers, day mothers and after-school care. Prices and subsidies vary considerably depending on the municipality and the family's income.

What's Included

  • Search for nurseries and daycares available in your area
  • Registration on waiting lists (multiple registrations recommended)
  • Information on municipal subsidies according to your income
  • Alternatives in the event of a long wait (day mothers, au pairs, nannies)
  • Support for adaptation (integration period)

Steps and Timeline

1

Search for places

We identify all the available reception structures (municipal, private, day mothers) in your area of ​​residence and your budget.

2

Multiple registrations

We register you on several waiting lists simultaneously to maximize your chances of obtaining a place quickly.

3

File and grants

We prepare the registration file and help you apply for the municipal subsidies to which you are entitled.

4

Integration

We support you during the adaptation period and inform you about the daily functioning of the chosen structure.

Common Mistakes

  • Wait until you arrive in Switzerland to register on the waiting lists
  • Only register in one nursery
  • Ignoring daytime mothers, often a quicker and more flexible solution
  • Do not apply for municipal subsidies to which you are entitled

Related Services

Service International Schools in Switzerland Service Public Schools in Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a place in daycare?
In large cities (Zurich, Geneva, Lausanne), waiting lists range from 6 to 18 months. We recommend registering as soon as your move is confirmed, even if the arrival date has not yet been set. Private daycare centers sometimes have shorter deadlines.
How much does daycare cost and are there subsidies?
The full price of a crèche varies from CHF 100 to 150 per day. Most municipalities offer decreasing subsidies depending on family income, which can reduce the cost by 30 to 80%. The conditions and scales are specific to each municipality.
What is a day mom?
A day mother (or day foster family) is a person approved by the municipality who welcomes children into their home. It is a flexible and often more affordable alternative to daycare, with flexible hours. It generally accommodates 3 to 5 children of mixed ages.

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