Estonia has a new law regarding kindergarten places. This law came into effect last autumn. According to the law, local governments must offer a kindergarten place 2 months before the parent starts work. However, some parents received places later.
Tallinn resident Kätlin Bowden added her child to the kindergarten waiting list immediately after birth. She wanted the child to get a place at one and a half years old. However, she was offered a place only in August. Bowden called the education department, but she was told it was now too late.
The new law means that the city must offer a place 2 months before the parent starts work. However, Bowden's family did not receive a place on time. Education department employee Anne Targem said this was a transition period issue.
From autumn, Tallinn will automatically allocate places. The system will search for available places and make offers to parents. If the offered place does not suit, the parent can notify this. The child can temporarily go to another kindergarten until a place becomes available at the desired location.
There are many free places in Tallinn. In autumn, 30 groups will not open because there are few children. Bowden's child attends a private kindergarten, which is expensive for the family.