ChildCare

Choosing a nursery or a pre-school for your children is not an easy task. Childcare options are available throughout the country, though availability can vary depending on the region and demand. Urban areas for example, usually have more options compared to rural regions.

Childcare centers in Portugal typically follow a structured curriculum that focuses on early childhood development. This includes activities to promote cognitive, social, emotional, physical development, and language learning.

To find available and reliable nurseries and kindergartens/pre-school with a license (licensed by the Câmara Municipal), you can consult this 🔗 Link and select the geographical area you want (district, municipality, parish).

There are two different main types of nurseries in Portugal:

Private - similar to other countries, the parents bear 100% responsibility for the tuition fees and any other costs that may exist (enrollment, registration, food, etc...). These schools generally have high prices that don't correspond to the economic capacity of most of the country.

Public - public schools are financed in part by the government (managed by IPSS) and the rest is the responsibility of the parents. The amount paid by parents in public-private nurseries is established according to the household's income.

1. Look for nurseries/ preschools in your area of residence in the year prior to desired enrollment.

2. Visit or call the establishment in advance and ask what specific documentation they require.

3. Ask when the deadline is for enrollment.

4. It is not uncommon to get wait-listed. There is high demand, especially in Lisbon, and a tip is to apply to more than one to make sure you get a spot.