In Switzerland, children usually begin compulsory schooling at the age of seven. They often attend kindergarten two years before starting school. Childcare options for young children outside the home include crèches, playgroups, day care families or nannies/au pair.
(Source: www.ch.ch)
Often, the demand for childcare facilities exceeds availability. Many of the crèches have long waiting lists. A further surprise may be the costs involved. Childcare in Switzerland is very expensive. Full-time care of a pre-school child may cost up to SFr 2000 per month. Most of the Swiss children only go to crèche part time.
(Source: www.ethz.ch)
Usually, the gender equality office of your university is able to help you regarding child care facilities.
Crèches/Day Care Centers
All universities offer day care facilities. Nevertheless it is highly recommended to put your child's name on several waiting lists as soon as possible. Check www.kinderkrippen-online.ch for further information on crèches.
Day Care Families
Many Swiss families have their children looked after by a childminder (Tagesmutter) who cares for children in her own home. The Childminder (Tagesmutter) is a member of the Association of Childminders (Tagesmütterverein) which tries to match families and carers, taking e.g. child rearing philosophy into consideration. For additional information contact www.tagesfamilien.ch
(Source: www.ethz.ch)
Au Pairs
Since one of the goals of the Au Pair program is that he/she learns the language of the country in which he/she is placed, only families speaking german, french or italian get permission to hire an official Au Pair. For further information look at Pro Filia (www.profilia.ch)
(Source: www.myscience.ch)
