Polish Kindergarten Fee Calculator 2026

Polish public kindergartens must provide 5 free hours of pre-school education per day for children aged 3–6. This is mandated by the Education Law Act. Each hour beyond 5 is charged at a rate set by the local municipal council, up to a statutory maximum of 1.33 PLN/hour in 2026.

The Act on Education Funding (2017) sets the maximum hourly rate at 1 PLN, adjusted annually by a GUS index. In 2025/2026 this equals 1.33 PLN per hour. Municipal councils may set lower rates — check your local council resolution.

The meal fee (wsad do kotła) covers only the cost of food ingredients used to prepare meals. The municipality cannot add preparation or service costs to this fee. Typical daily rates are PLN 10–16 for three meals (breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack).

Yes. Many municipalities offer exemptions or reductions for large families (Karta Dużej Rodziny), low-income families and children with disability certificates. Ask at the municipal office or directly at the kindergarten about available discounts.

Not directly. Private kindergartens set their own fees and may charge for attendance hours, meals, extra activities and registration. The calculator reflects the public kindergarten model with the statutory hourly rate. For private kindergartens, enter the hourly rate from the kindergarten's price list.

Polish public kindergartens typically do not operate in July and August (or run on a very limited basis). The school year lasts 10 months (September–June). The calculator uses 10 months as the standard billing year, matching typical parental expenditure.

Change the number of working days to the actual number of days your child attends each month. For example, if your child goes 4 days a week instead of 5, enter 16 days instead of 20. The fee is proportional to actual attendance.

Not directly. There is no specific PIT relief for kindergarten fees in Poland. However, parents who claim the child tax relief (ulga prorodzinna) can deduct up to PLN 1,112.04 per year for a first child (more for subsequent children). This is separate from actual kindergarten costs.

When absence is reported in advance (usually by 8:00 am on the day), the kindergarten refunds the meal fee for those days. The hourly attendance fee is usually charged for the full month regardless of attendance, though some municipalities allow deductions. Check your kindergarten's statutes.

The hourly fee is zero when the child attends for up to 5 hours per day (the free entitlement). Six-year-olds subject to compulsory pre-school preparation have the same 5 free hours. Children with special educational needs certificates may have extended free hours.