20 free hours with childminders: What's changing in 2027

The 20 free childcare hours currently offered in daycare centres will extend to childminders for children aged 1 to 4. Here's how to benefit.

Great news for families who prefer individual childcare: the 20 free hours per week, previously reserved for daycare centres, will soon be available with childminders (assistants parentaux).

Here's what's changing.

What exists today

Since 2017, parents have benefited from 20 free childcare hours per week for children aged 1 to 4, but only in daycare centres and collective childcare facilities.

Families who chose a childminder (the equivalent of a licensed nanny) couldn't take advantage of this benefit.

What the reform changes

From 2027, the 20 free hours will be extended to childminders for children aged 1 to 4.

In practice, if you have your child looked after by a licensed childminder, you'll receive the same 20 free hours per week as if you enrolled them in a daycare centre.

Why this matters

This measure has several objectives:

• Recognising individual childcare: Childminders offer local, often more flexible care that suits many families.
• Offering more choice: Parents can choose the childcare option that works for them without being financially penalised.
• Addressing the shortage of places: With waiting lists at daycare centres in some municipalities, childminders represent a valuable alternative.

Who can benefit?

To take advantage of the 20 free hours with a childminder:

• Your child must be aged 1 to 4
• The childminder must be licensed and recognised as a CSA (Childcare service vouchers) provider
• You must be registered with the Chèque-Service Accueil scheme

How does it work?

The principle remains the same as for daycare centres:

• The first 20 hours of childcare per week are covered by the State
• Beyond that, you pay according to the CSA rate based on your income
• Billing is now based on actual hours used (no more flat rates)

Better recognition for childminders

The reform also includes better recognition for childminders based on their qualifications. The goal: to attract and retain these professionals who are essential to Luxembourg's childcare system.

When does it come into effect?

This extension of the 20 free hours to childminders will come into effect from 2027.