Childcare in canton BE
All childcare options in canton BE
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Providers
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Daycare centers
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Available spots
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Cities
| Type of care | Costs (without subsidies) | Costs (with subsidies) |
|---|---|---|
| Daycare, full day | CHF 100–130 per day | Significantly reduced (income-dep.) |
| Playgroup, half day | CHF 14–20 per half day | Rarely subsidised |
| Day mother (via association) | CHF 5–10 per hour | Income-dependent |
Childcare vouchers reduce costs depending on the relevant income. For couples, a minimum combined employment rate of 120% is required.
Childcare in Canton Bern
Canton Bern uses a distinctive model: childcare vouchers. Rather than the municipality subsidising the daycare centre directly, eligible parents receive a voucher that they can redeem at any approved daycare centre or day family organisation. The amount is based on the family's income and assets.
Childcare vouchers in Canton Bern
Canton Bern operates with childcare vouchers (demand-side funding): You receive a voucher from the municipality and redeem it at an approved daycare centre. You only pay the difference.
Requirements:
- Both parents employed (for couples: at least 120% combined employment rate, for single parents: at least 20%)
- Relevant income under CHF 160'000
- Residence in a participating municipality in Canton Bern
How it works:
- You register your child at an approved daycare centre or day family organisation
- You apply for the childcare voucher from your municipality
- The voucher is offset directly with the daycare centre — you only pay the difference
Important: Not all municipalities in Canton Bern offer childcare vouchers. Check with your municipality.
City of Bern: Has additional subsidies on top of the cantonal system.
Legal framework
Licensing requirements in Canton Bern:
- Daycare centres require a cantonal operating licence
- Day family organisations (TFO) have required a cantonal licence since 2024
- Responsible authority: Directorate of Health, Social Affairs and Integration (GSI)
Tax deduction in Canton BE
For tax period 2026, the following caps apply per child in Canton BE:
| Direct federal tax | Cantonal tax BE | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum per child/year | CHF 25'800 | CHF 16'000 |
| Age limit | The child has not yet reached age 14 | The child has not yet reached age 14 |
Eligibility: Proven net costs borne by the family; the child lives in the same household. The care must be directly related to employment, education, or inability to work or provide care. For parents living together, both must be prevented from providing care for one of those reasons.
Official source: Steuergesetz des Kantons Bern (BSG 661.11) · Rules checked on 14.07.2026