Cyprus’ Cabinet approved two major schemes aimed at strengthening preschool education support and assisting families, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Klea Papaellina said on Tuesday.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Papaellina said the initiatives form part of the government’s wider social policy focused on children and working families.
Subsidies for children up to four years old
The first scheme concerns the Subsidy Plan for Tuition Fees and Meals for children up to four years old for the 2026-2027 school year.
The programme is being implemented under the THALEIA 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy Programme with co-financing from the European Union.
According to the Deputy Minister, the scheme covers up to 80% of tuition and meal costs for families approved for child benefit, with increased support for children up to two years old.
Cyprus exceeds EU preschool targets
Papaellina said the programme has already produced strong results, noting that Cyprus recorded the largest increase in participation rates for children up to three years old in preschool education across Europe.
She added that the country has already exceeded targets set for 2030.
The scheme also supports social equality and helps families balance professional and family life, she noted.
Universal support for older preschool children
The second scheme covers subsidies for children aged four until the age of compulsory free preschool education for the 2026-2027 school year.
The initiative falls under Cyprus’ Recovery and Resilience Plan and will be available to all families without income criteria, ensuring universal access to preschool education.
Monthly subsidies and budget details
Papaellina explained that subsidies will amount to €130 per month for community kindergartens and €200 per month for private kindergartens.
Together, the two schemes are expected to cover around 23,000 children from birth up to the age of four years and four months. The total budget for the 2026-2027 school year is estimated at approximately €23 million.
Government focus on families
Papaellina said the Christodoulides government remains committed to investing in children and families through policies that strengthen equality, support employment and promote a more inclusive society.
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