Lower Austria Childcare Contribution
Funding for free morning care for children under 3 years old in Lower Austria daycare facilities. New funding guidelines since September 1, 2023. Subsidy of €341 per child per month, monthly application possible.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The Lower Austrian Childcare Contribution aims to enable free morning care for children under 3 years of age in day care facilities, in order to promote the compatibility of family and career and to provide parents with an affordable childcare option.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Material costs
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Companies
Funding requirements
- Positive needs assessment and approval notice for operation as a Lower Austria day care facility
- Entitlement to carrier funding from the State of Lower Austria (personnel cost funding according to Art. 15a B-VG)
- Free care offer for infants from 0 to 3 years from 07:00 to 13:00
- Offer of VIF-compliant opening hours (45 hours per week over 47 weeks)
- Reasonable parental contribution of €50–180 for care before 07:00 and after 13:00
Documents required for application
- Application via Lower Austria Childcare Web Portal
- Approval Notice for Operation
- Proof of Personnel and Material Costs
- Care Agreement
- Children Lists
Description
The Lower Austria Childcare Contribution enables free morning care for children under 3 years old in daycare facilities in Lower Austria, thereby supporting the reconciliation of family and work. Public institutions, non-profit organizations, and companies with a positive needs assessment and a valid approval notice can apply for a subsidy of €341 per child per month. This 100% funding amount covers both personnel and material costs and is paid monthly in arrears. Since September 1, 2023, the new funding guidelines apply, which include an annual value adjustment as well as a 10% increase for opening hours compliant with VIF standards. Applications are submitted digitally via the "Lower Austria Childcare" web portal.
A prerequisite for funding is a free care offer from 07:00 to 13:00 as well as a reasonable parental contribution of €50–180 for times before 07:00 and after 13:00. Furthermore, operators must demonstrate entitlement to carrier funding (Art. 15a B-VG) and offer VIF-compliant opening hours (45 weekly hours over 47 weeks). The following documents must be submitted: application via the web portal, approval notice, evidence of personnel and material costs, care agreement, and child lists. The ongoing funding opportunity and streamlined application process ensure an uncomplicated funding procedure and contribute to high-quality early childhood care in Lower Austria.