Financing for equity in pre-primary education
1. Education resources to subnational governments
2. Education resources to institutions
3. Education resources to students and families
4. Social policies and family support programmes
Introduction
Key financing indicators (UIS Data)
In Slovenia, the official entrance age to pre-primary education is three-years-old. The net enrolment rate for pre-primary for both sexes was 93.11% in 2023.
Children are legally entitled to a place in a kindergarten from the age of 11 months until the start of compulsory schooling, though it is optional.
Governance
Public kindergartens are founded by the municipality. The kindergarten system is overseen by the Preschool and Basic Education Directorate within the Ministry of Education. The Ministry of Education participates in the drafting of the financial plan for pre-school education, which is adopted and implemented by the Ministry of Finance.
The central Ministry of Education and municipalities together provide funding for preschool institutions.
Tuition-free status
Pre-primary is not guaranteed to be tuition-free under national frameworks.
1. Education resources to subnational governments
Article 142 of the Constitution of the Republic of Slovenia states that municipalities are financed from their own resources. In the case of an economically less developed municipality that cannot fully perform its functions, the State will provide it with additional financial resources. This financing mechanism is described in the Municipal Financing Act.
Equalization Financing is determined based on calculations of “adequate spending,” estimated with an equation that takes into account the population demographic, geographic location, and development criteria. If the share of municipal income is not enough to cover the amount determine necessary to cover the costs in the municipality, the central government will give the necessary funds as an equalization transfer.
2. Education resources to institutions
Based on the Law on the Organization and Financing of Education, Kindergartens prepare the programme financial structure and send it to the Municipality Council for approval. The municipality that established the kindergarten enters into a funding agreement with the kindergarten. The municipality is responsible for covering the outstanding programme costs, investments, equipment, and maintenance. Each month, the kindergarten sends a financing request to the municipality for the reimbursement of expenses.
Private kindergartens may be fully or partially funded from public sources if they provide at least half-day programmes to at least one group of pre-school children. They must also employ teachers and provide access to all. Public funding for private kindergartens do not include funding for investment, maintenance, and equipment. However, private schools may participate in public competitions and projects for their purpose.
3. Education resources to students and families
The municipality subsidizes full programme fees for families who live there. The programme fees cover the cost of education, care and meals. The subsidies are determined based on the family’s income and wealth. Additionally, families who are already paying for one child in kindergarten are exempt from paying the tuition fees for the second. The third child and additional children afterwards are also exempt. The funds are paid for by the national budget. Parents pay between 0% to 77% of the full programme price. This applies to both public and private kindergartens.
Additionally, children who are from socially vulnerable families have priority in admission to kindergartens.
4. Social policies and family support programmes
The Child Benefit, managed by the Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs, and Equal Opportunities, provides financial support to parents or legal guardians of children up to 18 years living in Slovenia. Established in 2012 under the Public Finance Balance Act, the benefit helps with a child’s maintenance, upbringing, and education. Applications are submitted at the local Social Work Centre. Eligibility is based on family income and assets, measured against the average national wage from the previous year. The benefit amount varies by family member's income and is granted for up to 1 year, requiring renewal if conditions persist; it stops once eligibility ends.
The government also provides income-based meal subsidies to ensure that children have access to free or reduced-price meals.
