How Switzerland plans to keep struggling childcare centres open during the coronavirus pandemic
Childcare centres, forced to remain open during the spread of the coronavirus pandemic despite lower enrolment numbers, are facing rising debts.
The Swiss government has planned a rescue package to ensure the centres can remain open.
The Swiss government is set to meet on Friday to approve a 300 million franc rescue package.
As reported in the Tages Anzeiger, this is set to be matched by an identical package from the cantons - bringing the total support for kindergartens to CHF600 million.
Daycare centres struggling in Switzerland
Unlike schools and universities, daycare centres in Switzerland are required by the government to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic.
While some children are still being cared for in the centres, many are now looked after at home by their parents who have stopped paying enrolment fees.
OPINION: The benefits of raising children in Switzerland
Many childcare centres across Switzerland are now struggling to pay rent and wage costs.
Rosmarie Quadranti, president of the Kibesuisse kindergarten association, said that this was likely to force many centres to close.
"The consequence of the current situation is that many creches would go bankrupt during the pandemic or shortly afterwards," Quadranti said.
READ: The real cost of parenting in Switzerland and how to save money
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The Swiss government has planned a rescue package to ensure the centres can remain open.
The Swiss government is set to meet on Friday to approve a 300 million franc rescue package.
As reported in the Tages Anzeiger, this is set to be matched by an identical package from the cantons - bringing the total support for kindergartens to CHF600 million.
Daycare centres struggling in Switzerland
Unlike schools and universities, daycare centres in Switzerland are required by the government to remain open during the coronavirus pandemic.
While some children are still being cared for in the centres, many are now looked after at home by their parents who have stopped paying enrolment fees.
OPINION: The benefits of raising children in Switzerland
Many childcare centres across Switzerland are now struggling to pay rent and wage costs.
Rosmarie Quadranti, president of the Kibesuisse kindergarten association, said that this was likely to force many centres to close.
"The consequence of the current situation is that many creches would go bankrupt during the pandemic or shortly afterwards," Quadranti said.
READ: The real cost of parenting in Switzerland and how to save money
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