Finding a Kita in Bern
How childcare works in the city of Bern: find a place first, then apply for a voucher. Figures are from bern.ch and may change.
1. Find a place at a Kita
Tip: the city says to contact Kitas directly. Vouchers only work at approved Kitas.
How early to register is not stated officially. One search summary says 4 to 10 months ahead; it is best to ask the Kita directly.
2. Betreuungsgutscheine (vouchers)
Tip: apply at the latest in the month before care starts; there are no retroactive vouchers.
Conditions: live in the city, parents together work at least 105% (single parent at least 5%), taxable family income under CHF 170,000 from 1 Aug 2026. You pay at least CHF 2 per child per day.
Meet other parents
Other parents in Bern are already meeting and making new friends.
Meet someone for coffee3. Costs at a city-run Kita
Tip: includes CHF 11 for meals (from age 6 months). The monthly fee is 20 day-rates, charged in advance.
Source: city tariff valid from 1 Aug 2026. For half days and private Kitas, please ask directly.
4. Tagesfamilien and Spielgruppen
Tip: for Tagesfamilien, call Familie & Quartier Stadt Bern, 031 321 51 15.
For Spielgruppe details in Bern (typical age and hours come from a canton-level guide), the Tagesfamilien provider and how to apply, please ask directly.