The state is moving towards expanding the pre-school sector: more places, less burden on parents

The response of Luxembourg's Minister of Education, Children and Youth, Claude Meisch, to a parliamentary enquiry by MP Marc Goergen reveals the government's plans to develop the SEA (Service d'éducation et d'accueil) structure - care and education facilities for children.

The government has committed to ensuring that every child has access to a SEA place by 2030. This requires both the construction of new facilities and the expansion of existing facilities. From 2023, municipalities and private operators are provided with financial assistance for infrastructure development, including support for day parents (assistants parentaux).

In 2025, these measures are strengthened: subsidies are increased and counselling is extended for those communes that intend to open or expand SEAs - both for pre-school and school-age children.

How much will it cost?

- During the school year, admission to SEA is free of charge. However, private operators may charge an additional fee per hour.

- During school holidays, the cost is based on a CSA scale that takes into account family income. This ensures social justice and reduces the burden on low-income families. Private providers can also add a surcharge.

SEAs, which do not have an agreement with the state, play a particularly important role in the care of children under 4 years of age. A reform of the CSA system is underway to ease the financial burden on parents using such facilities. Details of the reform are in the final stages of development.

Luxembourg focuses on universal access to care and early education. The focus is not only on infrastructure, but also on social accessibility. In the coming years, the childcare system will become more flexible and fair - regardless of whether parents choose the municipal or private option.