Child care in Gothenburg

Not having children myself, I can only answer based on reading and tales from friends with kids in Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö and a few places in the countryside...

>What can you share with us about the child care system in Gothenburg ?

Gothenburg falls under Sweden's comparatively generous nationwide parental insurance system. Most fathers and mothers receive money and are temporarily excused from work before and after each child is born. However going back to work has been a problem for many, as daycares/nurseries are overbooked in many places, especially in large cities. Daycare/nursery lines/queues are often considered long and people have had problems returning to work fulltime because there hasn't been anywhere to put their children. However, if I remember correctly, the government states that all children must be provided with daycare from age one; also there is a maximum of 12 weeks waiting time from date of application. Parents say that they still have to wait longer than 12 weeks in some places, but the government says these parents send in their applications at the last minute... It's uncommon that people have nannies and the like.

More info: http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Work/The- … tal-leave/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parental_leave#Europe (scroll down to Sweden)
http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Education … in-Sweden/

>How much is daycare in Gothenburg?

Correctly remembered, the government has set nationwide maximum fees for daycare, which go something like this: 1st child 3% or max 1,260 SEK/month, 2nd child: 2% or max 840 SEK/month, 3rd child: 1% or max 420 SEK/month.

http://www.sweden.se/eng/Home/Work/The- … preschool/

>Is the staff qualified at these daycare centers?

Many colleges offer an education focused on this type of care/schooling. However, it is currently one the easiest jobs to get and sadly many unemployed academics, artists, and struggling university students are working at daycare centers. This might be good for the children to be exposed to a wider variety of people, but it may be questionable whether everyone is qualified. This reminds me, if anyone is looking to moving to Sweden and needs a job immediately, get a social security number and into a daycare pool and you should have temp work with in a few days.

>What are the usual opening hours?

As a rule 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (source: City of Gothenburg webpage). May be closed all July.

>Do they provide other services at the daycare center?

Not sure...

>Any daycare center in Gothenburg you would like to recommend to other expats? What makes them special?

I'm not qualified to recommend one. Remember though that you may be limited in choice due to lack of openings at your/your childs local or favorite choice.

However, if I had kids I would love to send them to the preschools/daycares at the end of Virginsgatan in district Örgryte/Härlanda. These preschools are surrounded by a park environment and forest, and the kids have a lot of space to move around in. They seem to be outside a lot too.

Cheers!