Purpose-specific grants to municipalities for fee-free attendance (Agreement according to Art. 15a B-VG)

The program Purpose-specific grants to municipalities for free attendance (Agreement pursuant to Art. 15a B-VG) supports municipalities nationwide by the federal government granting the states earmarked subsidies over a total period of 60 months (01.09.2022 to 31.08.2027). The objective is to ensure a free kindergarten year for five-year-old children (20 hours per week) and the qualitative further development of early childhood education in the areas of Children & Youth, Education, Labor & Social Affairs, Vocational Training & Continuing Education. Eligible applicants are public institutions, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, and companies. Requirements include suitability as a state-recognized early childhood education institution, implementation of the mandatory half-day attendance of 20 hours/week, compliance with the agreement pursuant to Art. 15a B-VG, as well as participation in language proficiency assessments and early language promotion. Eligible expenses include investment costs, personnel costs, training and continuing education costs, as well as material costs. Non-eligible expenses are administrative costs, meals, operating costs, and general maintenance. Evaluation is based on the earmarking of funds, achievement of objectives pursuant to Art. 15, implementation of language proficiency assessments and promotion, VIF-compliant opening hours, and quality standards. The grant amounts to €1,300 per child per year.

A free, mandatory attendance in the final kindergarten year supports equal opportunities and family-friendliness. Municipalities and early childhood education institutions can thereby modernize infrastructure, hire qualified staff, implement training offers in early language promotion, and procure appropriate material resources. For the application, the concept according to Annex A, the accounting according to Annex B, documents on language proficiency assessment, and an annual report on the proper use of funds must be submitted. Funding is granted continuously, with accounting due by January 31 of each year. Through cooperative governance between the federal government, states, and municipalities, a comprehensive, high-quality care and education offer is created, laying important foundations for integration and a successful educational pathway.