133 million euros

Kindergarten on the offensive when it comes to childcare

Kindergarten director Gerda Hiebner (left) with Oskar and Moritz, Provincial Councillor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister - childcare places for two-year-olds are being created throughout Lower Austria.

(Bild: NLK Pfeiffer)

99 projects with more than 242 additional groups and six exercise rooms were funded across the country as part of the blue-yellow childcare offensive.

The blue-yellow childcare offensive is picking up speed: So far, 99 projects with 242 additional groups have been launched for 133 million euros. This means that nothing stands in the way of the gradual admission of two-year-olds to local kindergartens: "Opening kindergartens to two-year-olds is an offer to close the maternity leave gap," emphasizes Provincial Councillor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister.

Municipalities and the state will invest over 133 million euros, with the state providing over 65 million.

Landesrätin Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister

Since September, 22 kindergartens with 92 groups have already started pilot operations in 15 municipalities. "191 additional groups, 51 daycare groups and six exercise rooms will be realized as part of these projects in local communities," said Teschl-Hofmeister. The funding guidelines have also been increased to meet the additional care requirements: Additional groups are currently funded at 48 percent instead of the previous 27 percent.

Increased funding rates
Temporary buildings are also supported with a 25 percent direct subsidy. Since last fall, there has also been a contribution-free morning until 1 p.m. for small children. The state provides 341 euros per allocated childcare place for under-threes.