Free Kindergarten for Children Aged 0-6 Years

Within the framework of the model "Contribution-Free Kindergarten for Children Aged 0–6 Years," the City of Vienna supports privately organized early childhood education institutions and childminders in the Vienna metropolitan area with a monthly basic contribution per child as well as a tiered administrative subsidy per group. The amount of the subsidies is based on age (0–3 years or 3–6 years) and the actual duration of care. The publicly funded contributions cover personnel expenses, operating costs, and administrative expenses (e.g., IT systems, tax consulting). The funding aims to enable all children in Vienna to access a needs-oriented, quality-assured care and educational offer without any personal financial burden. Approval is granted indefinitely; applications have been accepted continuously since 01.09.2009 and are approved following a positive site needs assessment.

Eligible for funding are non-profit sponsoring organizations according to the Federal Fiscal Code (§ 34 et seq. BAO) as well as childminders without profit motives who hold an operating license. Requirements include, among others, a registered office in the Vienna metropolitan area and the commitment to transparent use of funds. Evaluation focuses particularly on the positive needs assessment at the site and proof of non-profit status. Application documents include the operating license decision, tax office confirmation of non-profit status, sample parent contract with cost breakdown, income-expenditure calculation, opening notification, group and child lists, as well as an annual financial statement with balance sheet or profit and loss account if bookkeeping is mandatory. The processing is carried out via a funding agreement with the Municipal Department 10 – Viennese Kindergartens, whereby documentation and compliance with legal requirements form the basis for payment and future funding.