Lower Austria Funding for the Expansion of Early Childhood Education

The funding program of the State of Lower Austria aims at the comprehensive expansion of institutional care services for children under three years of age within the framework of the agreement pursuant to Article 15a BV-G on early childhood education. Public institutions, non-profit organizations, interest groups, associations, as well as private individuals can apply for investment and personnel cost subsidies to establish new day care facilities, make existing services barrier-free, and expand childminder structures. A positive needs assessment according to the Lower Austrian Childcare Act and a valid approval notice for the operation of the facility are prerequisites. Newly created places must remain available for at least five years to ensure the sustainable availability of the subsidized care places.

Funding is provided for investment costs for the establishment and quality improvement of day care facilities, subsidies to achieve VIF-compliant opening hours, personnel costs for professional and auxiliary staff, as well as training costs and wage subsidies for childminders. Investment cost subsidies of up to €125,000 per care group can be granted, in addition to specific amounts for accessibility and optimization of staff-to-child ratios. Applications must be submitted continuously until December 15, 2027. Required documents for the application include, among others, a completed application form, a project description, cost estimates, and the positive needs assessment from the local municipality. The project duration is up to 36 months. With this program, the State of Lower Austria sustainably supports the compatibility of family and career and contributes to strengthening early childhood education in the early years sector.