Poland’s demographic decline has reversed enrollment trends, forcing municipal preschools to compete for children as private ones have long done.
Demographic Challenges
Nothing indicates that the demographic situation will improve in the coming years, meaning the competition for young children will intensify annually.
Reversal of Enrollment Trends
Just a decade ago, parents struggled to find places in kindergartens due to insufficient capacity. Now, the situation has reversed, with many municipal facilities having incomplete groups of fewer than 25 children.
In some cases, municipalities are reducing the number of sections while maintaining the same number of teachers and administrative staff.
Municipal Responses to Declining Enrollment
Local authorities are implementing various strategies to attract families, including advertising their services—something private kindergartens have done for years.
Municipalities are offering additional activities, participating in incentive programs for parents, and reducing fees for extended childcare beyond the standard five-hour program.
Financial Implications
As enrollment decreases, the costs of maintaining kindergartens continue to rise because government subsidies are calculated based on the number of children enrolled.
Only a few municipalities are considering closing facilities entirely despite these financial pressures.