Nursery and childcare in the Canton of Graubünden (cross-border guide)

Context

In brief

• Three main options: daycare, family daycare, after-school care
• Fees calculated based on the family's gross income according to cantonal scales
• Cantonal subsidies available for families below defined income limits
• Access through the cantonal family office and direct registration with the facilities

Key facts

• What: Childcare services for preschool and school-age children (daycare, family daycare, after-school care)
• Where: Canton of Grisons and other Swiss cantons
• Who: Authorized public/private facilities, specialized educators, cantonal welfare offices
• Amount: Variable monthly fees per canton and facility (income-based fee scale)
• Access: Contact cantonal office, submit income documentation, direct registration

Finding reliable childcare during working hours is a concrete priority for Swiss families. In the Canton of Grisons, as in other cantons, the available options are diverse: daycare for the youngest, family daycare with private educators, and after-school care for school-age children. A central element is that the fees do not follow a fixed rate but are calculated based on the family's gross income, with public subsidy systems designed to make access to services more equitable.

Understanding how these services work, identifying real costs, and accessing cantonal contributions can make a significant difference in the household budget. A family with two incomes does not bear the same economic burden as a single-income family, and in many cases, public subsidies cover a significant portion of the monthly fee.

The three main childcare options

In the Canton of Grisons, three main categories of childcare services are distinguished.

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Operational details

Cantonal subsidies and family support

In addition to income-based fees, the Canton of Graubünden, like most Swiss cantons, provides direct subsidies for families whose income falls below certain levels or who have documented special needs.

The subsidy covers a variable percentage at the cantonal level: in some cases from 30 to 50% of the fee, in others up to 100% for the most vulnerable families. Access requires the submission of the most recent tax return and any other documents attesting to income (pay slips, statements from pension funds, self-employed declarations). The canton evaluates the request and, if approved, communicates the monthly contribution to the parent, who applies it directly to the facility's invoice.

This system allows many families to access childcare services that would otherwise be prohibitively expensive. Where a couple of teachers might benefit from a modest subsidy, a single-income family with an average income receives a more substantial contribution.

Practical scenarios: how real costs vary

The difference between a single-income family and a dual-income family is significant.

Case 1 — Single-income family: One working parent (gross income CHF 50,000/year) and a two-year-old child. The childcare facility offers a base fee of CHF 1,800 per month. According to the cantonal income scale, the family pays 35% of the fee (CHF 630), while the cantonal subsidy covers the remaining 65% (CHF 1,170). The net cost is CHF 630 per month, or one-third of the nominal fee.

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Key points

How to search for a custodial facility in the Canton of Graubün

The first recommended step is to contact the relevant cantonal office — usually the Social Service Office, the Family Office or the equivalent welfare office. This body keeps an up-to-date register of all public and private services authorised in the canton, with information on availability, timetables, teaching languages (Graubünden is characterised by mainly German-speaking areas, but also includes Romance and Italian areas), and available staff.

The cantonal office also provides detailed guidance on how to access benefits and what documentation to submit. Although it is not mandatory to contact this entity, it is highly recommended to do so before undertaking independent research, as it avoids unproductive research and clarifies your eligibility for public contributions immediately.

# Step-by-step access to services and benefits

1. Contact the cantonal family office: Ask for the official register of licensed facilities in your district and find out right away about what subsidies might be available for your household. You'll often find that you're eligible for a more generous contribution than you initially thought.

2. Collect income documentation : Prepare the most recent tax return, payroll for the last three months, and income certificates if you are self-employed. Some cantons also require a copy of

First day as a cross-border worker? Our practical guide walks you from cantonal registration to your first paycheck.