Children's group (day care)

Under Section 2 of Czech Act No. 247/2014 Coll., a children's group („dětská skupina“) is non-profit regular care for a child from 6 months of age until the start of compulsory schooling, provided outside the child's home in a group of children. The maximum capacity of a children's group is 24 children. A smaller form is the neighbourhood children's group, where the provider personally looks after at most 4 children, possibly in their own home; the provider's own children count towards the capacity.

When a children's group is useful

Under the Education Act, a child under three has no right to a nursery school place, so parents of younger children often look for a children's group. In addition, from the nursery school enrolment for the 2026/2027 school year a new duty of the municipality applies: if a three-year-old with permanent residence in the municipality is not admitted by the catchment nursery school, the municipality must, at the parent's request, secure a place in a children's group or reimburse care costs up to the statutory amount. Conditions include applying in the regular enrolment period, requesting within 30 days of the refusal, the child's vaccination and the parent's link to the labour market, such as employment or study. It concerns children born on or after 1 September 2023.

How to read the figure

For nearby children's groups, the stated capacity is the maximum permitted number of children recorded in the register, not the number of free places. The service may be free or with a parental fee; the provider sets the criteria for the fee. Providers are registered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MPSV), which also publishes a map of children's groups.

What to watch out for

• A children's group is not a nursery school, and catchment rules do not apply.
• The provider sets admission rules, opening hours, meals and fees, so arrange things directly with them.
• A neighbourhood group is not subject to public health supervision; the Labour Office checks its premises and operation. MPSV advises parents to visit in person.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a children's group and a nursery school?

A nursery school is a school under the Education Act, with catchment areas and compulsory pre-school education from the age of five. A children's group is a childcare service under a separate act and may be run by a municipality, a non-profit organisation or, for example, an employer.

Where can I find children's groups?

In the MPSV register and map. Childcare for the youngest is part of the local amenities and is one of the items the location analysis summarises for families, alongside nursery schools and art schools (ZUŠ).