New costs under the grandparent program surface in public daycare
Even with the limited changes introduced by the current government, a notable catch has appeared in the form of the grandparent program set to start on October 1, 2024. In Koszalin, the city council reacted by raising the fixed fee for public day care centers from 580 PLN to 1,750 PLN, with parents covering 250 PLN of that amount, according to a posting by a PiS member on social media.
The so called grandma program was designed to provide financial support to families where one or both parents are employed and cover the costs of their child’s care. When Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced the Active Parent plan in April, it did not surface as a policy that would push up payments for child care for some beneficiaries. The new framework creates a situation where some families may face higher monthly bills for nursery services starting next year.
Public nurseries face higher fees
The scenario in Koszalin has been highlighted as an example of the changes. The local council increased the fixed rate for public day care centers from 580 PLN to 1,750 PLN, with the parent contribution set at 250 PLN, drawing attention from opposition lawmakers who promised parliamentary inquiries into the matter.
One council member indicated that a parliamentary interpellation to the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy would be prepared to question the policy and its implementation. This reflects wider concerns about who benefits from the program and how it is administered at the local level.
Cost concerns for nurseries and parents
The grandparent program is touted as expanding support for families while also adjusting expectations around what families should contribute to childcare costs. In 2025 the maximum monthly compensation for a daycare center is projected to be 2,200 PLN. Yet many families find themselves paying more than the threshold, which could reduce or eliminate eligibility for some subsidies. This shift is framed as a mechanism to rein in rising fees at childcare facilities, but it has raised eyebrows among parents and local officials alike.
Critics point out that the impact is not limited to public nurseries. The policy touches privately run institutions as well, sparking concerns about whether private centers could use the changes to set higher rates, even if the target reform aims to curb fee increases. The discussion has grown beyond whether the program helps active parents to questions about access and affordability across the childcare sector.
The debate also touches on the broader goals of the program. Proponents say it helps working families by offsetting some of the cost of day care, while critics argue that the structure could lead to higher costs for families that must pay out of pocket before subsidies apply. Observers note that the full effects will unfold across different regions, with local councils implementing the rules based on their own circumstances and budget constraints.
All parties involved have urged transparency and careful monitoring of how the policy is applied at the municipal level, with particular attention to the balance between supporting working parents and maintaining accessible childcare for those with lower incomes.
Source: wPolityce; Aja/X, businessinsider.pl