For foreign parents looking to enroll their children in daycare in Spain, here’s an overview of childcare options in Spain.
If you are a migrant parent, finding good childcare in Spain is a top priority, especially for babies and young children. Wherever you are, it can be difficult to find information about good, inexpensive daycare centers; it’s even more difficult if you’re new to the country. Regardless of your nationality, expect a few cultural clashes regarding attitudes towards raising and caring for children. Here is our guide to help you make the right decision for your family when choosing a daycare center in Spain.
Postnatal care in Spain
Many children start looking after children in Spain from an early age, right after the four-month maternity leave. Giles Tremlett, the Guardian’s Madrid correspondent, writes in his book Ghosts of Spain about finding a nursery for his two-year-old son: “Our first surprise was that we arrived late – by about two years.” For some expats, the early start of childcare in Spain can come as a shock.
Tremlett explains: “The children in our nursery were there to learn how to communicate, they said. But in fact, the youngest were here, because their fathers did not dream of stopping or reducing the working day, and it was time for their mothers to take up their positions at work again. So, despite the fact that compulsory education in Spain only starts at the age of six, the OECD reports that as of 2017 Spain has almost full coverage of pre-school education and care : 95% for three-year-olds and 97% for children 4 years
State nurseries in Spain
Kindergartens ( guarderias ) run by the state usually provide all-day childcare and include lunch. Costs, as they are subsidized by the government, may vary depending on your income. For example, in 2017 Barcelona announced a social rate , whereby instead of a fixed price of €289 per month, the monthly fee will be based on a family’s income ranging from €50 to €395.
Registration requirements vary by region and municipality. The main criteria for public nurseries are proximity to the family’s place of residence and the presence of siblings. Certain advantages are possible for large families, single mothers, and children with disabilities. Regional and local regulations also regulate the organization of the application procedure, as well as the right to child care assistance.
Because a place in a public crèche usually requires an application to the Comunidad (regional authority) and proof of low income, many parents opt for private crèches instead. This can cost between €400 and €600 per month depending on, for example, time spent in the nursery, food and language. Be prepared to pay an annual fee of around €400 in addition to registration to reserve your child’s place.
The ratio of the number of guardians to the number of children and the license
It is worth paying attention to the ratio of the number of guardians and children in childcare in Spain. While in European countries there are seven children per guardian on average, in Spain this ratio is 9:1. Spanish regulations specify a ratio of 1:8 for children under one year of age. This increases to 1:20 for two- to three-year-olds.
Kindergartens apply to municipalities and communities for a license based on compliance with regulations, as well as other standards, such as having trained staff, adequate hygiene and safety, and sufficient space. Licensing policies in Spain are still not as strict regarding children’s institutions; after licensing, they can undergo regular inspections.
Fiona Borthwick, a British lawyer who has a 19-month-old daughter, advises parents to compile a list of daycare centers in their community . She also advises parents to ask for information about daycare centers.
Comparison of childcare facilities in Spain
If in doubt, do as in your country; ask other parents for advice on childcare in Spain. If your Spanish is limited, English-speaking institutions such as the British Council can help provide lists of nurseries (including English-speaking ones). Cultural organizations such as Goethe Institut (Germany) or Alliance Française (France) can also be helpful.
Visit a few nurseries to get an idea of what’s available before making a decision. Keep in mind that the average weekly care for children under three is 28 hours per week. In most nurseries, you can choose between morning (8:30am to 2:00pm) and afternoon (2:00pm to 6:30pm) sessions in addition to full service.
Pregnancy and childbirth benefits in Spain
Spain offers social support to working parents in the form of paid leave. Moreover, this applies not only to the birth of a child, but also to the adoption or upbringing of a child. New mothers can claim 16 weeks of continuous leave. In Spain, there is also paternity benefit : fathers can claim five weeks of uninterrupted leave. This can be extended by two days for each additional child. You can apply directly through the Social Security Department .
If you have three or more children, you can apply for an additional subsidy: aid familias numeraciones .
Rethinking childcare in Spain
As an expat, you may not have the same childcare options in Spain as your local cohorts. For example, you may not have grandparents, siblings, or other family members to help. There are always the usual ways: hire a babysitter, enroll in a state nursery school or register in a private one. You can also come up with creative childcare solutions, such as arranging meetings with other foreign families. Visit online forums and parenting groups where you can find valuable information from others.