More than 6,000 families on the island can now apply for the nursery voucher provided by the Cabildo, available from now until 31 October. This initiative targets children in Early Childhood Education (ages 0 to 3) with the aim of supporting the reconciliation of family and work life during the school year. The corporation has allocated €1,350,000 for this programme, which may be increased to €2,000,000 if necessary. Each voucher will provide a unique amount of up to €800 per beneficiary.

Support for Essential Costs

The nursery voucher will help families cover essential expenses such as registration, childcare, hygiene, meals, and school clothing, and grants freedom in choosing the childcare centre. Families with children attending the first cycle of Early Childhood Education at centres authorised by the Education Department, Vocational Training, Physical Activity, and Sports of the Government of the Canary Islands can apply for this assistance. The economic situation of the family will be the primary criterion for assessment.

Equality of Opportunities

The president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, stated that these scholarships are a clear commitment to equality of opportunities and support for families. This initiative aims to ensure that no one is left behind due to financial constraints, allowing all families to balance their work and personal lives with security. She emphasised that this aid provides relief for many families who are making significant efforts to meet the costs of early childhood education. Dávila also noted that the last call for applications received 2,034 requests, a 36% increase from the previous year.

Promoting Employment in Education

The councillor for Employment and Education, Efraín Medina, added that this initiative not only assists families but also stimulates job creation in the educational sector and strengthens the network of nurseries on the island. Investing in education for children aged 0 to 3 is tantamount to endorsing a fairer social model, where reconciliation and true equality of opportunities become a reality. He mentioned that “these scholarships enable many mothers and fathers to join the workforce with greater peace of mind.”