Mandatory final year of kindergarten

The Mandatory Final Year of Kindergarten in Carinthia is aimed at companies, non-profit organizations, and public institutions that provide preschool care places. The type of funding provided is a grant, categorized under the fields of education as well as training and further education. Since January 1, 2014, the state of Carinthia has been granting ongoing funding without a time limit and covers the costs for a half-day place without meals in the final kindergarten year before school entry. This is intended to promote the development of social, cognitive, and motor basic skills to ensure a smooth transition into compulsory schooling. The funds are paid directly to the participating care facilities and subsequently settled with the parents.

Eligibility requirements include a primary residence in Carinthia, attendance at kindergarten in the year before school entry, and regular participation in the mandatory educational period for at least four days or 20 hours per week. Only the costs for the half-day place without meals are funded, with a grant amount of €85 per child per month over eleven months. Exemption applications from the mandatory kindergarten year can be submitted annually by May 1 of the preceding year; otherwise, ongoing funding applications are possible. The completed Application for Exemption from the Mandatory Kindergarten Year in the current form version must be attached for the application.