As fellow expat moms, we know that making decisions about childcare in a foreign country can feel overwhelming, especially if you are arranging it while still living in another country and you do not speak the local language (yet).

We understand. We have been there ourselves – spending countless hours researching, reading forums, and trying to navigate the available options. Summit Eduction is our way of sharing our knowledge and experiences to help you feel more confident in your decision-making process.

So, are you relocating to Basel, Zürich, or Geneva, in Switzerland, and looking for daycare (Kita / Crèche )?

Let us help you. Keep reading, and find out how find the best daycare solution in Switzerland.

We will explain you where to start, provide the links to the official cantonal / city daycare directories, and explain the process — from selecting a Kita to starting the introduction period.

Where to start when looking for a daycare in Switzerland?

Many families feel overwhelmed when they start their search for a daycare center / Kita in Switzerland. There is a lot of information online, but most of it is in German, or you are just not sure of how credible the information is. Forum entries might be old or vague, social media unreliable, and ads for ‘the best daycare / Kita’ keep following you. We know. As expat parents ourselves, we have been in your position when we first moved here. It is our mission to help other parents by providing reliable and independent information about finding the best Kita / daycare center in Switzerland.

Keep reading as we guide you through the process and explain the process of finding a daycare / Kita, or Crèche in Switzerland, step by step.

Finding the best Kita in Basel, Zürich, or Geneva, Switzerland

Get clarity on what you expect from a daycare center / Kita

It is important to get clarity on what is important to you and your family before you start your search. Decide on important factors such as location, age groups, languages, the availability of an outdoor space, and eligibility for childcare contributions.

Next, browse the directories to find two or three Kitas that match your search criteria.

• The canton of Basel-Stadt has an official online directory of all licensed Kitas in Basel-Stadt, Riehen, and Bettingen.
  
  You can find the directory here: ed-kinderbetreuung.edubs.ch
  
  
• The canton of Basel-Landschaft has published a similar list, albeit not as easy to use as the Basel-Stadt online directory. This directory does not have filter/search options and can only be downloaded as a PDF file.
  
  Go to baselland.ch/ and use search term: Tagesbetreuungseinrichtungen
  
  
• The canton of Zürich has marked all licensed Kitas on the ‘Zürich Map’
  
  You can find the map here: maps.stadt-zuerich.ch

Decide which days you will need childcare

After browsing the directories, clarify the number of childcare days you require. Do you require full-time or part-time daycare? Are you flexible? Can you choose different days if your preferred Kita doesn’t have availability (yet)? Some Kitas may have a waiting list. Keep in mind that most Kitas work with a minimum attendance rate.

Next, reach out to your preferred Kitas. Fill out the online contact form, call, or email them.

Kita visits

If your preferred Kitas have availability on the days you need childcare, it is time to schedule some visits. Are you planning a trip to Switzerland before your upcoming relocation? We recommend scheduling two (three, if possible) Kita appointments to see where you and your child feel comfortable.

Try visiting several Kitas now (even months before the big move) to get an idea of their facilities and staff. Discuss your specific childcare needs, wishes, and concerns with the caregivers in charge.

Selection process

After your visits, it is time to choose your preferred daycare center / Kita and notify them about when you would like your child to enroll. The Kita will prepare the paperwork and send it to you to confirm your spot.

Paperwork

Kitas in Switzerland generally work with one-year contracts. You will sign up for a fixed number of days per week. Make sure to carefully read the contract about how to proceed in case you wish to make changes, as most Kitas require 2 or 3 months’ notice for changes to attendance rates.

Contracts are generally provided in both German and English.

Introduction period

You have signed the contact and arrived in Switzerland. Welcome! You are now ready to schedule the daycare center / Kita introduction period.

This is an exciting time for you and your child. Most Kitas have a two- to four-week introduction period. During this period, parents are encouraged to accompany their child during the day to help them get familiar with the new environment and caregivers. The aim of this introduction period is to ensure the child feels safe and comfortable, and to allow the child to slowly settle in.

Most Kitas suggest short visits during the first few days of the introduction period. After the child joins for full days, Kitas require parents to stay with their child for longer periods. You will be together with your child at first, before integrating short periods where you leave to another room. Kitas often have an office area in which you can wait or work remotely.

During the next phase, you leave the Kita but stay in the area. During the last phase, you leave your child at the Kita but remain available to pick up your child if needed.

Please ask about the introduction period guidelines with your preferred Kitas.

We hope this helps you in your search for a Kita in Basel, Zürich, or Geneva.

If you have any further questions about finding the best Kita, please feel free to reach out to our team.

We are here to support families every step of the way on their journey to finding the best Kita in Basel, Zürich, or Geneva.

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.

Is your family relocating to Basel?

Summit Family is the only free magazine offering:

• A complete overview of all private and international schools in the region
• Contributions from the City of Basel, Basel Zoo, Museum Tinguely, and many more
• An overview of sports, leisure, and cultural activities for families
  
  

Created for families relocating to Basel — and international families already living here — this magazine is a great resource for families with school-aged children.

You can read it online for free here: summit-education.ch/magazine/

Related: Daycare / Kita in Switzerland – minimum attendance and opening hours