Increasing numbers of care facilities accommodate both parents for full-time employment, according to Family Minister Plakolm.
In a press conference held at the Federal Chancellery, Family Minister Claudia Plakolm presented the annual report on children's education and care for the year 2024/25. The event was attended by Regina Fuchs, Director of the Population Division of Statistics Austria, among others.
The report revealed that over 94% of 3 to 5-year-olds in Austria attend an elementary educational institution. This represents an increase of 4,500 children in such facilities compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, around 200,800 children under the age of 5 are being cared for in facilities that enable parents to work full-time.
Minister Plakolm highlighted the need to create more freedom of choice for families, emphasising that every family should have the freedom to choose their own path. She stated that these desires should be respected, and that more people should be able to work full-time if they don't have childcare or care obligations.
The Family Minister also pointed out regional differences in care options, stating that initiatives like the "blau-gelbe Kinderbetreuungsoffensive" in Lower Austria are key to improving childcare and education provision locally. This collaborative initiative between the federal state and its municipalities is investing around 750 million euros by 2027 to expand childcare groups and services.
Minister Plakolm also shared that the vast majority of women (68%) want to take on care themselves, while 15% of mothers with children under 6 would like to work more hours. She acknowledged the importance of family support in helping families navigate their individual challenges.
Photos from the press conference are available free of charge via the Federal Chancellery's Photo Service. The Family Minister concluded the presentation by stating that the report shows they are on the right track and that their task is to continue expanding and improving the care offer. The annual report provides a comprehensive overview of the situation of children's education and care in Austria.
