Most expat families relocate to the Basel region and find themselves in search of a daycare (commonly referred to as Kita in German) at some point before or just after arriving. Besides the fact that it can be challenging to not have family around to help with childcare, many families decide to enroll their child in a local daycare to learn Swiss German before starting kindergarten.
When looking for childcare in Basel, we recommend families consider the following before starting their search:
Daycare In Basel
Availability
The number-one consideration should be availability. Not all daycares in Basel have spots available year-round, and some may even have long waiting lists. Additionally, some might not have availability on the specific days you need childcare.
If you work part-time, it is crucial to discuss your schedule flexibility with your employer to align your working days with your preferred daycare in Basel.
We highly recommend reaching out to your preferred daycare as early as possible and having 2 or 3 backup options in case your preferred days are not available yet.
Location
It is important to research the different options available in your preferred living area and around your or your partner’s workplace. Decide whether or not you prefer your child’s daycare to be:
- close to home
- close to work
- close to your local kindergarten and/or primary school
Considering most daycare centers in Basel offer childcare services from around 6:30 am to 7:00 pm, it is important to get clarity on which parent will be responsible for the majority of drop-offs and pickups and how those can be arranged conveniently.
Daycare center age groups
Consider how long you are planning to stay in Switzerland (difficult before even moving here, we know…) and whether it is important to you that the daycare offers childcare from infancy to primary school, ensuring continuity for your child. This consideration is especially relevant for families with two or more children when your oldest goes to kindergarten and needs after-school care while the youngest is still in daycare.
Daycare centers that offer childcare for children over four years old often provide a pickup service at noon when kindergarten/school finishes. This pickup service is available for a limited number of local kindergartens and primary schools.
In Switzerland, parents cannot choose a public kindergarten or school for their child. Instead, the canton allocates a kindergarten/school. Generally, your child will visit the kindergarten/school closest to home. Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that if you choose a daycare close to work, you might have to change when your child reaches kindergarten age, as staff may not be able to arrange a pickup.
Language
Decide whether you prefer an internationally orientated bilingual daycare in Basel with English-, Spanish-, French-, or Italian-speaking staff, or a local daycare to promote Swiss German language learning.
Outdoor space
Do you find it important that your child spends plenty of time outdoors and has access to an outdoor space or garden? Some daycare centers in Basel have their own private gardens and/or playgrounds, while others, particularly those centrally located across town, might not have their own outdoor area or only have access to a gated rooftop terrace or balcony.
Childcare subsidies
You might be eligible for cantonal/municipal childcare subsidies depending on your income and assets. Childcare subsidies (Betreuungsbeiträge) are financial aid towards childcare costs. You can submit a request for around 90% of daycare centers in Basel-Stadt. The remaining 10% are not eligible for cantonal subsidies.
What is important to your family?
Look for a daycare that aligns with your family’s values in terms of philosophy, meals, and activities.
Are you looking for a daycare in Basel?
Our tip:
Do your research and try to connect with other parents online to find out about their experiences, so you feel confident that your child is in good hands while you are at work
If possible, visit several daycare centers in Basel in person. Look at the facilities and meet the staff to get an idea of the care your child will receive. And remember, when visiting daycare centers, see how you, your partner, and your child feel. Listen to your instincts. If you don’t feel comfortable, or when something does not feel right, look for another option.
Do you want to know everything about childcare in Basel?
Check out our book here: Amazon US or look for “Childcare in Switzerland, the Basel area edition” on your local Amazon website.
Read More: Ten facts about education in Switzerland
