The Cypriot government plans to introduce a bill to extend free compulsory preschool education to children from the age of four.
The decision follows discussions in the parliamentary education committee, protests and strikes by private kindergartens, and consultations between relevant stakeholders.
The subsidy will begin in the upcoming academic year, one year earlier than originally planned. Additionally, there are plans to address issues with building permits for existing kindergartens.
In a note to the parliament, Education Minister Athena Michaelides stated that following consultations and in collaboration with the relevant ministries/deputy ministries, it has been decided that the tuition subsidy program will begin in the 2024-2025 academic year, instead of the 2025-2026 academic year, for children under the age of 4 years and 6 months.
Furthermore, the relevant ministries/deputy ministries will work together to effectively address long-standing issues raised by the Cyprus Association of Private Preschool Education (issues concerning the Planning Authority, inspection criteria, etc.).
