The new edition of the Toddler+ programme for the years 2022-2029 is being launched. Its budget amounts to PLN 5.5 billion. As part of the new edition, 102 thousand places of care will be created. Applications can be submitted until 19 February. The objective is to establish a nursery in every municipality.

The announcement of the new edition of the Toddler + programme means shifting into sixth gear in the process of developing services for families with young children – said Minister Marlena Maląg at the press conference.

She added that this was another step in building a truly friendly state policy for families – a state supporting families financially. „Since 2016, we have already allocated more than PLN 227 billion for this purpose” – said the Minister.

PLN 5.5 billion

The budget of this programme is PLN 5.5 billion. The funds come from the state budget, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan and the European Funds for Social Development programme.

Changes in the programme

Local governments will have three years to complete the investment, not just one year as it was before. They will receive PLN 35,862 to create one place (other non-public entities will receive PLN 12,410). For the next three years, they will receive the co-financing for pursuing their activity in the amount of PLN 837 per place. No own contribution will be required from local governments.

Algorithm

The objective is to establish at least one nursery or children’s club for children under 3 years of age in every municipality.

Every municipality in Poland will receive the funds for the creation and functioning of places of care according to an algorithm which takes into account the number of unaccompanied children and income per person – explained Deputy Minister Barbara Socha during the conference. The final decision on the project will be made by the local authorities.

Care as a condition of professional activity of parents

I hope that the Toddler Plus programme will enjoy great interest. We meet the expectations of Polish families. If parents are to be able to return to professional activity, we want to create conditions for them to leave their children in good care – said the Minister of Funds and Regional Policy Grzegorz Puda.

Deadlines

Applications in the programme may be submitted until 19 February, only electronically. The results will be announced by 28 April.