Mitschrift

In Vienna, there are many good kindergartens to choose from. While parents go to work, their children are well cared for. But what is even more important: Kindergartens promote and support children’s development. They will be learning German and many other things. 

And because this is really important, all children have to attend a kindergarten in the year before they enter school. This is called “verpflichtendes Kindergartenjahr” or compulsory kindergarten year. Childcare is available for all children from 0 to 6 years.

The youngest ones can go to a Kinderkrippe or day nursery. Children from 3 to 6 years can attend a kindergarten. In addition, there are registered childminders, so-called Tagesmütter or Tagesväter, who provide childcare for children between 0 and 6 years in small groups.

You can choose between private kindergartens and public kindergartens run by the City of Vienna. Public kindergartens are open all year round, from Monday to Friday, also during school holidays. They are closed only on weekends and public holidays.

Public kindergartens offer their services from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm, and you can decide if your child will be going half-day or full-day. In Vienna, all families should be able to afford kindergarten. Parents will only pay for lunch or additional activities such as trips or excursions.

The City of Vienna’s Department for Kindergartens, that is Municipal Department 10, is the central contact point for any questions relating to kindergartens. There you will also get a client ID number, which you need in order to register your child with a kindergarten. You can apply for the client ID number online or in person at Municipal Department 10.

The kindergarten year always starts in September. You should register your child one year in advance – in November or December. If you have missed the deadlines or have moved to Vienna only recently, you can also find free places during the year through the website “kigafinder.at.”

Please remember that in Austria, it is compulsory for children to attend kindergarten in their final year before school. My advice is to do your child a favor and let them go to kindergarten earlier than that, at least from the age of 4.

Your child will have a lot of fun, they will improve their German, and their development will be promoted. In addition, they will find friends, and they will be able to effectively prepare for school. Also, watch the video “Schooling for children” for more details on schools.