Parents in Cyprus are booking nursery places during pregnancy, as the search for childcare has become an increasingly difficult equation, with high demand and a lack of new facilities leaving many families with limited options.
The process of finding a facility that meets financial and quality needs whilst being close to home or work now starts as early as pregnancy, with booking several months in advance considered essential.
A woman expecting her first child in February 2026 told Phileleftheros she had to start searching as soon as she learned she was pregnant in May 2025. Some facilities were already full for the following year.
“We wanted a facility in the area where we live, in Latsia, to suit us. We know there are definitely around 5-6 nurseries there. In the end we were lucky and asked from July 2025 to book a place for our baby for September 2026,” she said.
She added that finding a nursery is difficult for families, as some are more expensive than others, prompting many to search early to secure more affordable options.
Private kindergartens withdraw from welfare schemes
The problem has intensified due to tactics adopted by some private kindergartens which participated in welfare schemes previously but decided to withdraw, leaving parents stranded.
According to Phileleftheros sources, owners of these kindergartens withdrew when they realised operating outside the programmes would bring greater financial benefit.
This has left many parents unable to find places at other schools, forcing their children to continue attending these specific kindergartens whilst losing subsidies and paying multiple fees.
‘Student numbers have increased’
Chrysanthos Savvides, deputy chair of the Education Committee, told Phileleftheros that many cases reach him. He said the pre-primary bill passed by parliament is heading in the right direction, gradually accepting children in pre-primary from age 4.
The benefit is double, he added, as parents won’t be forced to send children to private kindergartens until age 5 whilst paying fees, and more jobs are created for kindergarten teachers.
However, he stressed that student numbers in pre-primary classes have increased. There aren’t enough school units, making it difficult for parents to find kindergartens in their area. This pushes many parents to seek solutions in other areas or turn back to private kindergartens.
He noted that fees are subsidised at private kindergartens for ages 4 and above. Savvides added that subsidy programmes exist under state welfare schemes, but these aren’t mandatory.
Problems leading to shortage of places
Theodosia Masoura, president of the Private Preschool Education Association, explained to Phileleftheros that recent years have seen a sharp increase in the need for infant and child care facilities serving working parents with extended hours.
“The problem becomes even more acute for ages 0-2. Available facilities are extremely limited, leaving many parents struggling to find places for their infants,” she said.
She explained there are two basic issues that must be addressed to develop new facilities and help existing ones: staff shortages, as there is very low interest in studying infant care and kindergarten teaching.
“As an immediate measure, the new Welfare Ministry bill allows hiring staff from related fields as an exception,” she said.
She added that this regulation will apply exceptionally and covers fields such as social work, psychology and pedagogical studies.
“Fortunately this exception was included in the new bill and we believe it’s a measure that will immediately help meet our staffing needs so we can operate with greater stability. It gives us the required time to respond to current needs until adequate specialised staff is secured in the sector,” she explained.
She added that the Association is working with private universities to make the profession more attractive and draw young people to the field. “It’s a process that takes years to yield results,” she stressed.
‘No new facilities being created’
She emphasised the problem has intensified in recent years as no new facilities are being created, whilst strict building specifications exist.
“Requirements are very strict regarding building suitability, hygiene and child safety. The square metres of indoor and outdoor spaces also play a role, making the establishment of new facilities more difficult,” she said.
She noted that building a 2-3 classroom kindergarten requires large space, often three or four plots, which significantly increases costs and discourages new investment.
Bill preparation
Masoura said that following Association interventions, a bill has been prepared and they await amendments that will give the sector greater flexibility without compromising child safety.
Asked whether rising demand leads to fee increases, she replied: “I don’t know. I don’t believe fees are rising because there’s need from parents.”
She stressed that facility operators must adhere to child capacity numbers, as these are linked to square metres. “We want to find the golden mean that will ensure kindergarten functionality whilst guaranteeing child safety and wellbeing.”
She added that legislation must align with European Union directives. “The bill has been given to us by the Welfare Ministry. We’re in the study phase and will try to make the necessary changes so it’s fully harmonised with European directives.”
She underlined that the goal is to vote the changes within the year and have facilities operating from next September with a revised framework, giving a boost to entrepreneurship and private investment. She added that the private sector carries a very large burden in preschool care.
Finally, she said the Welfare Ministry, through the Recovery and Resilience Plan, continues implementing its scheme subsidising children’s fees and meals, which significantly helps parents. “Especially this year the scheme has been expanded, as criteria and beneficiary categories were extended with the aim of benefiting more families”.