What's what? A guide for families

In South Tyrol there are different types of early childhood services. We explain the differences simply.

Early childhood services in South Tyrol

What we offer

🏡

Micro-facility (Kita)

Educational facility for children 0–3 years with up to 10–25 children, qualified educators and a PAB-approved educational project. This is the service offered by Popele.

✓ Mandatory PAB accreditation

✓ Approved educational project

✓ Structural IT/DE bilingualism

✓ 1:5 ratio guaranteed

✓ HACCP-certified meals

✓ From 3 months to 3 years

🏠

Tagesmutter / Tagesvater

A home-based carer who looks after up to 4 children in their own home. Flexible hours, less pedagogically structured.

• Maximum 4 children

• Home setting

• More flexible hours

• Less structured educational project

• Coordinated by recognised associations

🏛️

Municipal nursery

Public facility for 0–3 year olds, with places assigned by the Municipality according to the waiting list. Costs set by the Municipality.

• Places allocated by the municipality

• Fee set by the municipality

• Public facility

• Waiting list managed by the municipality

🏢

Company nursery

Service offered by a company to its employees. Places are reserved for children of the partner company's employees.

• Reserved for employees of the company

• Agreement between company and facility

• Possible company contributions

• Fee partially covered by the employer

Quick comparison

Feature	Kita (Popele)	Tagesmutter	Municipal nursery	Company nursery
PAB accreditation	✅	⚠️	✅	✅
IT/DE bilingualism	✅	⚠️	✅	⚠️
Max children	10–25	4	Varies	Varies
Age accepted	3 months–3 yrs	0–3 years	0–3 years	0–3 years
PAB subsidised rate	✅	✅	✅	✅
HACCP meals	✅	⚠️	✅	✅
Standard hours	07:30–17:00	Flexible	Fixed	Fixed

✅ = yes · ⚠️ = depends · this table is indicative; for details contact the individual facilities

Frequently asked questions

From what age can I enrol my child? +

We accept children from 3 months up to 3 years of age. Enrolment can take place at any time of year, with admission subject to availability.

How does the fee work if we are EBK or Enbit workers? +

If one or both parents work in retail (EBK) or the craft sector (Enbit), they can claim a 65–70% reimbursement of the family fee for 2 periods per year. We provide the required monthly certification.

Can I visit the facility before enrolling? +

Absolutely. We arrange guided tours by appointment. It is the best way to get to know us and see whether we are the right choice for you.

What happens if my child is ill? +

Illness up to 3 days: the subsidised rate applies, no medical certificate needed. Illness of 3 or more days with a medical certificate: subsidised rate. Without a certificate: full rate.

Is bilingualism genuinely guaranteed? +

Yes. It is a mandatory PAB regulatory requirement for accreditation. Our educators hold certified language qualifications and the bilingual educational project is approved by the PAB Family Agency.

Any more questions?

Our team is happy to answer any query — by phone, email or during a visit to our facility.