Grant

Purpose-specific grants within the framework of the agreement pursuant to Art. 15a B-VG on early childhood education

Purpose grants for the quantitative and qualitative development of early childhood education in Vorarlberg. Applications possible until February 25 of the respective care year.

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Grant criteria

Application Deadline:
01.09. - 31.08.2027
Application level: Advanced
Region: Austria (nationwide), Vorarlberg
Funding amount: €3,890,000 per year
Funding rate: 60% - 80%
Project start from: 01.09.2022
Project duration: 36 months

Funding objective

The federal government provides the states with earmarked grants for the quantitative and qualitative development of early childhood education. The goal is the nationwide expansion of child education and care services, the extension and flexibilization of opening hours, the improvement of staff-to-child ratios, and the promotion of early language education.

Eligible expenses

  • Personnel costs
  • Investment costs
  • Administrative expenses
  • Training and further education costs
  • Material costs

Non-eligible expenses

  • Planning and architectural costs
  • Operating costs

Eligible to apply

  • Public Institutions
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Companies
  • Individuals

Funding requirements

  • Application by February 25 of the respective supervision year
  • Suitable early childhood education institution
  • Compliance with the agreement according to Art. 15a B-VG

Documents required for application

  1. Application form
  2. Proof of suitable institution
  3. Cost evidence for personnel expenses

Evaluation criteria

  • Comprehensive expansion
  • VIF-compliant opening hours
  • Improvement of caregiver-to-child ratio
  • Early language support

Description

Within the framework of the agreement pursuant to Art. 15a B-VG on early childhood education, the federal government provides earmarked grants to the states for the quantitative and qualitative further development of child education and care services. In Vorarlberg, additional places are being created across the region, especially for children under three years of age; at the same time, existing opening hours are being extended and made more flexible to ensure care times compatible with full employment of the legal guardians (VIF-compliant). Furthermore, the caregiver-to-child ratio is being improved (1:4 for children under three, 1:10 for children aged three to six) to guarantee high-quality care by qualified professionals and additional educational staff. A particular focus is placed on early language education in the last two years before school entry, which is conducted systematically and measured through standardized language proficiency assessments. Additionally, the federal department promotes measures for accessibility, spatial quality improvements, mixed-age group formats, as well as the qualification of day parents.

Eligible for funding are public institutions, non-profit organizations, companies, and private individuals in Vorarlberg operating suitable early childhood education facilities. The grant rate ranges from 60% to 80%, and the project duration covers up to 36 months. Eligible expenses include personnel costs, investment costs, administrative expenses, training and further education costs, as well as material costs; planning and architectural services and operating costs are excluded. Applications must be submitted by February 25 of the respective care year and must include a completed application form, proof of a suitable facility, and cost evidence for personnel expenses. The funding sustainably supports the region-wide expansion of care places, optimization of care times, and promotion of early language skills. Contact: Office of the Vorarlberg State Government, Department IIa – Early Childhood Education, School and Society, Early Childhood Education Division.

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