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New Kindergarten fees - FAQ

Fjarðabyggðar's municipal council has approved changes to the municipality's preschool tariff environment, which will take effect on March 1, 2025. The changes to the tariff are a response to the challenges that Fjarðabyggðar, like other municipalities, have faced in preschool activities regarding the pressure on staff, staffing problems and to ensure the well-being and well-being of children and staff.

With the improved working environment of the kindergartens, it will be easier to retain staff and prevent service cuts.

You can find a handy calculator for the new fees (2025) on the following link - Calculator

A new arrangement with flexibility

Fjarðabyggð emphasizes that changes in the preschool environment are necessary to ensure operational safety and improve service. Preschools must reduce workload and improve working hours to retain good staff, ensuring professional work and reliable services. Parents can choose different attendance times for their children depending on the day and only pay for the time used, which supports flexibility for families.

Support for families

Income-based discounts will increase from 30% to 50%, covering placement fees, additional day-care fees, and registration days. Lunch will remain free, and sibling discounts (50% for the second child and 100% for the third) stay the same. Day-care fees for six hours are reduced by 30%.

What effect does shortening children's stay have on the working environment of preschools?

Shorter day-care times positively impact children, preschool operations, and staff workload, making it easier to manage professional activities and staff retention.

Can the length of stay vary between days?

Yes, but the minimum stay is four hours per day. Preschool fees are calculated based on the average number of day-care hours per day. For example, a total of 35 hours per week (e.g., eight hours three days, six hours one day, and five hours one day) results in an average of seven hours per day.

Example of day-care times and price
  • 40 hours/week (8 hours/day): ISK 42,000/month + ISK 47,406 with board
  • 35 hours/week (7 hours/day): ISK 31,000/month + ISK 36,406 with board
  • 30 hours/week (6 hours/day): ISK 17,000/month + ISK 22,406 with board

Fees adjust according to day-care time.

Tariff outside 8:00 -16:00

Additional fees apply for the 15-minute periods 07:45-08:00 (ISK 10,000/month) and 16:00-16:15 (ISK 5,000/month).

What are registration days and why do you have to register the children separately for placement during those days?

There are 20 registration days annually, costing ISK 5,000 each in addition to placement fees. Parents must register children at the semester start, with deadlines on August 15 (fall) and December 15 (spring).

Where can I see what the registration days will be each year?

Registration days are in the Fjarðabyggð preschool tariff and the preschool calendar, published each March.

Income-based discount – what does it involve?

Parents earning ISK 0-9,000,000 (individuals) or ISK 0-13,600,000 (cohabitants) qualify for a 50% discount on placement fees (not including board). Sibling discounts remain unchanged.

How does the sibling discount work?

The sibling discount applies to placement fees but not board. It is 50% for the second child and 100% for the third or more. It is calculated automatically in the Karellen system.

How much does board cost in Fjarðabyggð's preschools?

Board costs ISK 5,406/month for full-day placement (ISK 2,703 for morning and ISK 2,703 for afternoon refreshments). Lunch is free.

What are the preschool opening hours?

Preschools are open from 07:45 to 16:15.

How are the activities organized during the day in the preschools?

Professional activities occur from 09:00-14:00. Free time, breakfast, and playtime happen before and after these hours. The minimum stay is four hours per day.

How do I request a new placement time at my child's preschool?

Requests are made are made in consultation with the pre-school director

How will preschool activities be conducted around Christmas and New Year, during Holy Week and during winter breaks?

These are registration days costing ISK 5,000 per day, added to monthly placement fees.

Preschool fee calculator

The fee calculator is available on Fjarðabyggð's website to calculate fees based on attendance and discounts.

Where can I make suggestions regarding changes in preschool matters?

Suggestions and questions can be sent to fjardabyggd@fjardabyggd.is.