Greece opens applications for free daycare spots for 2026-2027 school year

Greece's Public Employment Service (DYPA) is opening applications for free spots in its 28 daycare centers, offering a crucial service for families preparing for the 2026-2027 school year. The application window opens July 3 and closes July 13, with submissions exclusively handled online through the gov.gr portal.

The DYPA centers cater to children aged six months to four years, providing a daily program designed to foster their educational and psycho-social development. These facilities operate from September 1 to July 31, Monday to Friday, from 6:45 AM to 4:00 PM. Locations are spread across Attica, including areas like Agia Varvara, Ilion, and Peristeri, as well as other major cities throughout Greece such as Patras, Thessaloniki, and Larissa.

Eligibility for these free spots is primarily for employees in the private sector, individuals insured with e-EFKA due to dependent employment, and registered unemployed individuals with at least three months of continuous unemployment. Applicants will need to submit their 2025 tax statement (for 2024 income) if DYPA cannot automatically verify the information. Selection criteria will focus on economic and social factors.

Following the application period, provisional lists of accepted, waitlisted, and rejected children will be published, allowing for appeals. This initiative is part of a broader EU-funded program aimed at promoting access to preschool education and creative activities for children, including those with disabilities. Parents who meet the criteria are encouraged to apply promptly and monitor the program's progress on the eetaa.gr website, where they can obtain the necessary voucher for their chosen DYPA daycare center.