Finding Daycare in Switzerland: Step by Step

Finding a good daycare place takes time, organization, and the right questions. This guide walks you through the entire process — from initial research to the settling-in period.

Timeline: When to Do What

Timing	What	Why
Pregnancy (from month 4)	Start researching, plan first visits	Waiting lists in cities are 6–12 months long
6–9 months before needed	Register at 3–5 daycare centers	Multiple registrations increase your chances
3–6 months before	Compare offers, review contract	Time for negotiations and plan changes
4–6 weeks before	Prepare for the settling-in period	Child and parents need preparation
2 weeks before	Start the settling-in period	Gradual, following the Berlin Model

Don't stress: This timeline is ideal but not set in stone. You can sometimes find available places on short notice — especially on maus.kids, where you can see current availability.

Step 1: Clarify Your Needs

Before you start searching, answer these questions:

• How many days per week do you need care?
• Full-day or half-day? (Most daycare centers offer both)
• When do you need the place? (Returning after maternity leave? Starting a new job?)
• Who drops off and picks up? This determines where the daycare should be: near home or near work?
• Public transport, bike, or car? Accessibility in daily life is crucial
• Budget? Check with your municipality in advance about subsidies

Step 2: Find and Shortlist Daycare Centers

Where to search:

• On maus.kids — all forms of childcare on one platform
• Through your municipality (some maintain their own lists)
• Through the youth services office or the childcare agency of your municipality

What to look for when shortlisting:

• Is the daycare on my daily route?
• Does it have available places for my child's age?
• Does the educational concept match our expectations?
• Is the price within budget (or are there subsidized places)?
• Does the daycare have a cantonal license?

Step 3: Tour — The 20 Most Important Questions

A tour typically lasts 30–60 minutes. Go with open eyes — and with this list:

Education & Daily Routine

1. What educational approach do you follow? (Montessori, Waldorf, situation-oriented, etc.)
2. What does a typical day look like?
3. How is free play encouraged?
4. How much time do the children spend outdoors?
5. How do you handle conflicts between children?

Staff & Quality

6. What is the staff-to-child ratio? (Recommended: 1:3 for babies, 1:6 for toddlers)
7. How many staff members have formal training (FaBe EFZ, HF)?
8. How high is the staff turnover? (Stability = security for the child)
9. Does the daycare have a quality label (QualiKita)?
10. Are there regular continuing education opportunities for the team?

Settling-In

11. How does the settling-in process work? (Berlin Model recommended)
12. How long does the settling-in period last? (Minimum 1–2 weeks)
13. Can I as a parent be present during the settling-in period?
14. What happens if my child cries and cannot be calmed down?

Practical Matters

15. What are the exact opening hours?
16. How many operational holidays are there per year? (And: Do I still pay?)
17. Are meals included in the price? How is the food prepared? (Organic, fresh, catering?)
18. How does communication with parents work? (App, meetings, parent evenings?)
19. What are the notice periods for cancellation?
20. What do I do if my child is sick? (When must they stay home?)

Tip: Trust your gut feeling too. Pay attention to how the caregivers interact with the children. Are they attentive? Do they get down to the children's eye level? Do the children seem relaxed?

Step 4: Register

• Register at 3–5 daycare centers at the same time — this is common and perfectly fine
• Clarify whether a registration fee is required (sometimes CHF 50–100, not always refundable)
• Ask about the expected waiting time
• For subsidized places: check with the municipality whether you are eligible

Step 5: Review the Contract

Before you sign, check:

• Rate and what exactly is included
• Notice period (typical: 2–3 months)
• Policy for illness and holidays
• Payment terms (monthly in advance?)
• Insurance coverage (liability, accident)
• Consent forms (photos, excursions, medication)

Step 6: Settling-In

The settling-in period is the most important moment. Most daycare centers follow the Berlin Model:

Week 1: Foundation Phase

• Child visits the daycare with a parent (1–2 hours)
• Parent stays in the room but holds back
• Key caregiver builds a connection with the child

Week 2: Separation Phase

• First short separation (30–60 minutes)
• Parent stays nearby (but not in the room)
• Duration is gradually extended

Week 3–4: Stabilization Phase

• Child stays for longer periods, including lunch and nap
• Parent is reachable by phone
• Settling-in is considered complete when the child can be comforted by the key caregiver

Every child is different. Some children are settled in after one week, others need four weeks or longer. This is completely normal. Give your child the time they need.

→ Detailed guide: Daycare settling-in