Childcare in Iceland: the gap between leave ending and leikskóli starting
What dagforeldri is, how the municipal waiting lists work, and how to plan for the months in between.
The short answer
- Parental leave ends before most children get a leikskóli place.
- That gap is normally covered by a dagforeldri — a licensed childminder working from their own home.
- Every municipality runs its own leikskóli waiting list, with its own rules and costs.
- Register earlier than you think you need to.
The three stages: leave, dagforeldri, leikskóli
Most families move through three stages: parental leave, then a dagforeldri or similar bridge care, then a municipal leikskóli place. Leikskóli generally starts around 18 months, which is well after most parents' combined leave has ended — the dagforeldri stage exists to cover exactly that gap.
What a dagforeldri actually is
A dagforeldri is a licensed childminder who cares for a small number of children in their own home, on working days. Different municipalities set different rules for subsidising it, and pricing on the childminder's own list isn't regulated — so cost varies more than it does for municipal leikskóli.
How municipal waiting lists work
Leikskóli is run by local municipalities, sometimes privately operated under an agreement with the municipality. You apply where your child has legal residence, and most lists rank children by age, oldest first. Most placements are allocated between March and May each year, so an application submitted outside that window can mean a longer wait.
What it costs, and what is subsidised
Municipal leikskóli fees are charged in most municipalities, spread over 11 months a year (children get four consecutive weeks off in summer). Many municipalities offer discounts for single parents, students, and siblings.
For a dagforeldri, most municipalities subsidise a minimum of four and up to eight hours a day of care — any time beyond that, the parent pays in full. The childminder's own price list is unregulated.
When to register
Because placements are decided months ahead of the school year and lists rank by age, registering as early as your municipality allows — sometimes from birth — puts your child higher on the list than waiting until leave is nearly over.
Choosing between options
A dagforeldri usually starts earlier and is more flexible on hours than a leikskóli, but costs more and depends on one person's availability. A leikskóli is cheaper and more structured, but you have less control over the start date. Most families use a dagforeldri to bridge the specific months a leikskóli place isn't available yet, then move once a place opens.
If you move municipality
Because each municipality runs its own list, moving resets your position — your waiting time doesn't transfer with you. If a move is likely, register with the new municipality as soon as you know, rather than waiting until after you've relocated.
Plan your childcare
Map the gap between your leave ending and a leikskóli place opening, and see your dagforeldri options.
Check your municipality
Every municipality runs its own list, its own deadlines, and its own fees. Start with yours.
Official sources
Vagga is a planning tool, not a government authority. Always confirm details on the official Icelandic sources below.
Vagga is an informational planning assistant. It does not replace official government, healthcare, legal, financial, or medical advice. Always confirm deadlines and requirements with the relevant Icelandic authority or professional. Learn more →
Frequently asked questions
What's the gap everyone talks about?expand_more
What is a dagforeldri?expand_more
How do leikskóli waiting lists work?expand_more
Is childcare subsidised?expand_more
When should we register?expand_more
What if we move to a different municipality?expand_more
Your next step
- Start my timeline
Waiting lists open earlier than you think. Put it in your timeline.
- See the group
Parents in your municipality
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Read next: How parental leave actually works