Childcare

Children are supervised throughout the day at day-care centres (Kitas, Kinderkrippen). Most offers are for children from three months of age until school age. Some day-care centres also supervise school-age children (before and after school and at lunchtime). Waiting lists are long, and parents must enroll their children early. Costs vary and are partially covered by the canton and the municipality. The day-care centres or the Social Security Office of Appenzell Ausserrhoden have additional information on enrollment and costs.

Many children attend playgroups (Spielgruppe) before they reach school age. In these playgroups children over the age of approximately 3 meet without their parents to play, do crafts, etc. with a trained supervisor. Particularly for children who do not speak German at home the playgroup is a good opportunity to become exposed to the German language. This facilitates entering school. Costs vary and some communities help pay for playgroups. There are playgroups in almost all communities. The community of residence will provide further information on enrollment and costs.

In some municipalities schools offer supervision outside of classes. Children can stay at school during lunchtime if their school has a day school programme (Tagesstruktur). There they will be given a lunch. After school they can do their homework under supervision. These programmes must be paid for by parents. The rates often depend on the income and employment level of the parents. The child can benefit from the programme on one or more days a week. Day school programmes are not to be confused with day schools (Tagesschulen) where children must participate in day school 5 days a week.

Day families (Tagesfamilien) are families that care for children for a certain amount of time (usually the whole day). This childcare service is popular amongst working parents. In Appenzell Ausserrhoden, the day family association provides information about the offer.