State-funded childcare service
Who is eligible for the service?
Legal representatives of children with severe or profound disabilities have the right to receive state-funded childcare services or caregivers listed under SWA § 252 (1) until the end of the calendar year during which the child turns 18, on the proviso that:
- the need for childcare services is set out in the child’s rehabilitation plan;
- care is not being provided for the child via other social services at the same
- time (with the exception of care for the child in the family); and
the child is not attending an educational institution at the same time.
The limit on state-funded childcare services in 2008 is 5800 kroons per calendar year per child with a severe or profound disability.
“Establishing a maximum amount and price of state-funded childcare and substitute home services” approved by the Government of the Republic on 12 February 2007 with regulation no. 40 (RT I 2007, 14, 74) and entering force on 23.02.2007. Amended with the following regulation (date, number, publication in State Gazette and date of entry into force): 21.02.2008 no. 53 (RT I 2008, 11, 78) 01.03.2008 (applicable from 01.01.2008)
Parents may use the service either during the day or 24 hours a day. It can also be used on an hourly basis. The 24-hour service may prove suitable for parents who are away or on a business trip.
If the service is required to an extent greater than that established in the state limit, the legal representative of the child (alone or with the assistance of the local government) must cover the additional cost.
State-funded childcare services cannot be obtained in the event of urgent need, as the process of applying and entering into an agreement can take up to several weeks.
