The range of childcare options in Switzerland is very diverse and wide-ranging. Find out in this article which childcare options are available for your children and which one best suits your needs.
Play and toddler groups
In play and toddler groups, children from about 2.5 years old until they enter kindergarten meet once or several times a week for a maximum of half a day. The groups consist of about 8-10 children and the goal is to promote the development of the children into independent and socially responsible personalities through the educational medium of play, which is the central focus. In this way, play and toddler groups provide early childhood care, education and upbringing and enable the children to gain extensive experience before they enter kindergarten.
Daycare centers
In so-called daycare centers, toddlers and children from the age of 3 months until the end of school can be cared for from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. during the week. In contrast to playgroups and toddler groups, they are open at least 5 half days a week. The daily routines in the day care centers are structured, which is a good preparation for school time and also very beneficial for the development of the children.
The term day care centers is a collective term. It includes the following facilities, among others:
Since daycare places are in extremely high demand in Switzerland, it is definitely worth registering your child in advance. Experts also recommend choosing a daycare center in your hometown, if possible. This way, your child will be in a familiar surrounding. In addition, you have a better chance of getting a place there, as this factor is also taken into consideration in the selection process. You can usually register your child by telephone or via an online form.
When calculating the costs, several factors are considered, such as arrival and pick-up times, which is why the prices vary. In addition, the childcare costs also depend on income, but on average a day at the daycare center costs about CHF 130.
Lunch
Lunch is the name for a supervised lunchtime. The offer is aimed at children of kindergarten and school age and allows for care away from home between classes in the morning and afternoon. The advantage of lunch is that it often takes place in the kindergartens or schools, which means that the children are in a familiar atmosphere. Therefore, it is best to contact the kindergarten or school your child attends to register.
The costs of this offer vary and can range from CHF 8.- to CHF 30.- per noon. Among other things, the price also depends on whether the meal is prepared by the provider or ordered externally.
Nanny employment
Further, there is also the possibility of hiring a nanny. The main difference from the facilities mentioned above is that nannies look after your children in a private household. The nanny is responsible for the welfare and upbringing of the children and does minor household chores besides.
Although the nanny work market is not very regulated, it is important for you as an employer to hire the nanny correctly and pay her fairly. Keep in mind that, like any other employer, you must also pay salary contributions to the social insurances and, as the case may be, also take out accident insurance as well as an occupational pension plan.
The cost of a nanny depends on what hourly or monthly wage you pay out. The average gross hourly wage in Switzerland is between CHF 22.50 and 32.
Au-Pairs
Au pairs are young people who come to Switzerland from abroad, live with a host family and help out with the household and childcare. In return, they receive housing, board and an appropriate salary.
In order for au pairs to be admitted to Switzerland, they must meet certain requirements. These include, for example, age. In contrast to third-country nationals, au pairs from EU and EFTA countries are allowed to take up an au pair position before they reach the age of 17.
Host families can also only employ au pairs under certain conditions. For example, they must provide the au pairs with their own room and may only employ them for a maximum of 40 hours per week.
Are you a parent who has just moved to Switzerland and need help choosing the right childcare? We will be happy to assist you and help you find the right care for your child.
Switzerland is one of the most beautiful and interesting countries in the world. Therefore, a lot of expats move to Switzerland with their families. We have listed the ten most popular swiss cities and given you a short review of them.
Impressive scenery, good career prospects and an excellent standard of living, have long made Switzerland an attractive destination for immigrants.
Switzerland is a great destination for expats, but every nation has its ups and downs. If you’re new to the country, or if you’re just in the process of planning your move, you should know what to expect. We’ve got the greatest advantages & disadvantages (plus how to deal with them!) about life in Switzerland laid out for you.
If you are planning to immigrate to Switzerland, you should already in advance plan where to stay.
The corona situation in Switzerland is still critical. If you still don't want to miss out on some fun and sport, you'll get your money's worth when visiting ski resorts.
Switzerland is very famous for its many laws and obligations. Here are some of the most bizarre ones.
Switzerland has the longest, densest, most varied and best waymarked network of hiking trails. In so many ways a record breaker. In total in Switzerland there are 65’000 kilometers of waymarked trails at all levels of difficulties. We have gathered the most important information for hiking in Switzerland.
We have summed up for you the ten most beautiful and interesting sights in Switzerland.
Conditions, qualities and expectations vary from country to country. Therefore, it is important that you are aware and know how the dating scene works in Switzerland and what Swiss men and women value and love.
Are you moving to Switzerland with children? Then it is important for you to know how the education system works in Switzerland. Switzerland offers your children many opportunities and a high-quality education.
Good career opportunities, numerous further qualification possibilities and an attractive salary. These are the things that define the Swiss labour market. The world of work is stable and the unemployment rate has been low for many years, which is one of the many reasons why the Swiss labour market is one of the best in the world.
You already know that Switzerland offers very good educational opportunities and great career prospects. But did you know that the study opportunities are also just as diverse?
As you already know from our article on "How to find love in Switzerland", making new contacts in Switzerland is not that easy. But that doesn't mean it's impossible - you just have to know how. Read on to find out more!
From amusing, charming to brutal traditions - Switzerland has a variety of traditions and customs to offer. Around 200 different ones are still practiced today. We are pleased to introduce you to four of the best known living Swiss traditions.
It's no secret that the Swiss work a lot - but what do they actually do on their days off or after work? Find out in this article which are the most popular Swiss hobbies.
Everyday life for newcomers can be challenging and often you don't know where to get the right support. In this article, we have compiled the most important apps that will simplify your life in Switzerland.
Switzerland has a wide range of leisure activities to offer. This also includes museums. Whether culture, science or art - visitors are fascinated by what Switzerland has to offer. In this article, we have selected the 10 most exciting museums for you from over 1130.
In all parts of the world, Easter is a good reason to share hope, confidence and joy with loved ones and create unforgettable moments together. But every country has different customs and traditions and so does Switzerland. In this article we will acquaint you with the most common and popular Swiss traditions during Easter time!
The Sechseläuten, also known as Sächsilüüte, is a spring festival in Zurich that has been held every spring in the center of Sechseläutenplatz since 1902. On April 25, the Sechseläuten took place. In this article you will learn the exciting story behind the spring festival.
Springtime - The favorite season for many people. And rightfully so. The weather is cooperating, the list of activities is endless and the anticipation for summer is huge. Want to be as active as possible this spring but don't know where to start? We have put together a list of the best activities for you to make your choice easier!
Sustainability is a topic that is becoming increasingly important and more and more people are addressing it. Whether it's reducing plastic consumption or separating garbage, everyone can make a contribution to more sustainability in their everyday lives. In this article, you will find out how you can make your everyday life more environmentally friendly.
The Sechseläuten is a centuries-old tradition at the beginning of spring in Zurich. It always takes place on the third Monday in April. Besides historically costumed guild members, bands, horses, flowers, flags and the "Böögg" characterize the festival. Nowadays, the Böögg is even the main figure and symbolizes winter. He is burned on a pyre just in time for the six o'clock chimes of the Grossmünster church. And the faster his head, filled with fireworks, explodes, the more beautiful summer will be. At least that's what they say in Zurich.
Living as an expat in Switzerland is an exciting journey full of new discoveries and experiences, but it also comes with numerous laws and regulations to adhere to. Switzerland takes fines seriously – violations of the many local regulations are quickly punished with fines. Here's how you can avoid unpleasant surprises and integrate smoothly.
The Street Parade is back in Zurich! If you’re new in Switzerland, you don’t want to miss this legendary occasion on Saturday, the 10th of August 2024. Here’s everything you need to know about the world’s largest techno-party (including our own special recommendation for the after-party)!
