How to start a preschool in Israel

Starting an early childhood education setting in Israel presents a unique opportunity to contribute to a growing and diverse sector. Israel has a high birth rate compared to many Western countries, leading to a constant and increasing demand for quality childcare for children aged three months to three years. The regulatory landscape has seen significant changes with the introduction of the Toddler Daycare Supervision Law in 2018 and its subsequent Regulations in 2021. These ensure minimum standards for safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff training, and facility requirements. Oversight for daycare centres catering to children under three years currently falls under the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services, specifically the Daycare Centers and Nurseries Department. However, a significant shift is underway, with the responsibility for most aspects of daycare centres, excluding subsidies and supervision of "Semel nurseries," expected to transfer to the Ministry of Education, pending Knesset approval. For settings catering to children aged three to six, the Ministry of Education already manages preschool programmes. Aspiring founders should be aware of these evolving regulations and the specific requirements for obtaining a license, which is mandatory for any framework attended by seven or more toddlers.

Regulations

Health safety: The Toddler Daycare Supervision Law, 2018, and its Regulations from 2021 establish minimal threshold conditions concerning safety. All Maon workers are required to take a first-aid course in Israel, highlighting the emphasis on emergency preparedness. Health protocols are a requirement for subsidised centres, and these typically include policies on medication, immunisation, and illness exclusion. Incident reporting is an implicit requirement under general safety measures and supervision protocols, ensuring that any events affecting child well-being are documented and addressed. Safeguarding policies are a core component of the regulatory framework, particularly with criminal record checks for staff who interact with children.

Licensing overview: All childcare frameworks in Israel attended by seven or more toddlers, whether 'Semel frameworks' (subsidised) or private, must obtain a license and comply with minimal threshold conditions. This is mandated by the Toddler Daycare Supervision Law, 2018, and its Regulations from 2021. The application process requires submitting requests for preliminary approval. The Department (and soon the Ministry of Education) is responsible for setting operational criteria, supervision, and enforcement measures. Inspections ensure adherence to standards regarding safety, staff-to-child ratios, staff training, criminal record checks for staff, and minimum space per toddler.

Licensing authority: Daycare Centers and Nurseries Department at the Labor Branch (expected to transfer to the Ministry of Education)

Staff qualifications: The Toddler Daycare Supervision Law, 2018, and its Regulations from 2021 mandate staff training. While a 'Maon' manager is required to have an MA in Early Childhood, 'sa’yaot' or helpers are not legally required to have formal training beyond high school. However, presenting a childcare course diploma can enhance hiring chances. All 'Maon' workers must complete a first-aid course in Israel. It is important to note that significant training is required to bridge the gap between current staff qualifications and the professional training stipulated by the New Supervision Law. Basic Hebrew proficiency is often necessary for communication with staff and children, especially in non-English speaking settings. Background checks are required for anyone coming into contact with toddlers to ensure they do not have a criminal record. Ongoing professional development is emphasised in both subsidised and private centres.

Facility requirements: The Toddler Daycare Supervision Law, 2018, and its Regulations from 2021 stipulate minimal threshold conditions for facilities, including minimum space per toddler and safety measures. Specific square footage requirements are not provided in the source material, but it is a regulated aspect. Fire and safety codes are implied through general 'safety measures.' For Mishpachton (home-based daycare) settings, regulations regarding physical space can vary by city. Local municipalities should be contacted to clarify specific requirements for opening a daycare centre in a private home or apartment building. The New Supervision Law outlines that compliance includes a minimal amount of area per child.

Curriculum requirements: Government-subsidised daycare centres and preschools follow specific educational programming guidelines and are overseen by either the Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs and Social Services (for under 3s, soon Ministry of Education) or the Ministry of Education (for 3-6 year olds). These programmes emphasise both developmental needs and preparation for elementary school, focusing on language development, social skills, motor development, and emotional regulation. Daily programming in centres typically includes structured activities, free play, outdoor time, nutritious meals, and rest periods. While a specific mandated framework like EYFS or NQF is not named, the curriculum is designed to meet developmental milestones and prepare children for school entry, maintaining Hebrew language preparation. Private centres may offer specialised educational methodologies or early foreign language instruction, but must still comply with basic educational guidelines.

Startup costs

Startup costs for a preschool or daycare in Israel can vary significantly. A small home-based Mishpachton (family daycare) typically involves lower initial investment, covering basic renovations, toys, and mandatory insurance and business registration. A larger, purpose-built Maon (daycare centre) for 60-100 children would incur substantially higher costs for facility rental or purchase, extensive renovations to meet safety and space requirements, furniture, educational materials, and initial staffing. Monthly operating costs are driven by rent, staff salaries (which are often higher in private settings and include benefits), utilities, food provision, and ongoing supplies. The profitability of a 'Gan' is heavily influenced by community expectations regarding reasonable fees and the demographic demand for private, English-speaking, or specialised settings.

Timeline

1. Initial Research and Municipal Clarification (1-2 months): Before any significant investment, aspiring founders should research local demand, especially for private, English-speaking, or culturally-specific settings. Critically, contact your local municipality to understand specific regulations for opening a daycare centre in a private home or apartment building, as these can vary significantly between cities. This step will also involve clarifying the type of facility you intend to open (e.g., Mishpachton, Private Gan) and understanding the general prerequisites for operation.

2. Business Registration and Insurance (1 month): To operate legally, you must set yourself up as a small business. This involves registering your entity and obtaining a business licence. Crucially, securing third-party insurance is a mandatory requirement. This step ensures legal compliance and protects your business from potential liabilities. It is vital to liaise with legal and insurance professionals experienced in the Israeli childcare sector to ensure all necessary registrations and adequate coverage are in place before proceeding.

3. Licensing Application and Facility Preparation (Daycare Centers for 7+ Children) (6-18 months (can be longer)): For any framework attended by seven or more toddlers, a license from the Daycare Centers and Nurseries Department at the Labor Branch (soon Ministry of Education) is mandatory under the Toddler Daycare Supervision Law. This involves submitting a request for preliminary approval and ensuring your facility meets stringent conditions regarding safety, minimum space per child, and other infrastructure requirements. The audit report noted that at least 1,000 private daycare centres had not yet submitted requests, indicating that this can be a lengthy and rigorous process. Allow ample time for inspections and potential rectifications.

4. Staff Recruitment and Training (3-6 months): Recruiting qualified staff is crucial. Managers of 'Maon' are expected to have an MA in Early Childhood, and all staff interacting with children must undergo criminal background checks. All 'Maon' workers are also required to take a first-aid course in Israel. It's important to factor in time for staff to complete any necessary local certifications and training to meet the standards set by the New Supervision Law. Due to high staff turnover (over 50% in Semel daycare centres in their first year, general trend), a robust recruitment and training pipeline is essential.

5. Curriculum Development and Operational Setup (2-3 months): Develop a curriculum that aligns with Israeli early childhood education norms and any Ministry of Education guidelines. This will cover educational content, daily schedules, and extracurricular activities. If catering to the international community, consider bilingual or English-speaking programmes. This phase also includes acquiring all necessary educational resources, toys, and supplies. For Ganim (kindergartens), particularly 'Municipal Gan' settings, familiarity with popular children’s songs and stories is important. Establish operational procedures for meals, rest, and communication with parents.

6. Marketing and Enrollment (Ongoing (start 3-6 months before opening)): Publicise your setting well in advance of opening. Utilise local email lists and connect with local parents to assess demand and understand existing options. For private Ganim, highlight unique selling points such as language spoken or specific educational approaches. Waitlists are common for popular programmes, making early application essential for securing preferred placements in both subsidised and private centres. Understanding community expectations of cost and value will be vital for successful enrollment.

Next steps: explore the IPC curriculum, read about preschool enrollment, or browse all start-a-preschool guides.

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary licensing authority for early childhood settings in Israel?

Currently, the Daycare Centers and Nurseries Department at the Labor Branch is responsible for licensing and supervising frameworks for children aged three months to three years, as per the Toddler Daycare Supervision Law, 2018. However, it is important to note that a government decision is in motion to transfer this responsibility to the Ministry of Education, excluding tuition fee subsidies and supervision over 'Semel nurseries,' which will remain with the Labor Branch. For children aged three to six years, the Ministry of Education already manages preschool programmes. Always verify the current regulatory body with the relevant ministry.

Are there different types of early childhood settings in Israel?

Yes, Israel offers a variety of early childhood settings. These include 'Maon Yeladim' (public daycare centres for ages 0-3, often subsidised), 'Mishpachton' (private/home-based daycare for ages 0-2, offering a smaller, family-like environment), 'Private Gan' (private kindergartens for ages 1-3, and sometimes wider ranges), and 'Municipal Gan' (public kindergartens for ages 3-6, government-subsidised). There are also 'Tzaharon' (afternoon daycare centres). Each type has different operational requirements and age focuses, with 'Mishpachton' and 'Private Gan' offering more flexibility in language and educational content.

What are the common staff-to-child ratios in Israeli daycare centers?

The Toddler Daycare Supervision Law, 2018, and its Regulations from 2021 mandate 'an improvement in the child-to-staff ratio,' but specific universal ratios across all age bands are not explicitly detailed in the provided sources. Generally, for a 'Private Gan,' groups of 10 to 20 children are often cared for by 2 to 3 'Gananot' (teachers/caregivers), depending on the group size. A 'Mishpachton' typically involves a single 'Metapelet' (caregiver) for a group of 4 to 6 babies or toddlers. Facilities catering to seven or more toddlers must comply with regulated ratios, as supervised by the relevant ministry.

How does the Israeli government subsidise childcare?

The Israeli government provides subsidies primarily through 'Semel frameworks' (subsidised daycare centres and nurseries). Parents can receive State subsidies for tuition fees, with eligibility often based on family income. The approved budget for the Daycare Centers Department was NIS 1.68 billion in 2020. Government subsidies also cover 'Municipal Gan' for children from age three, offering very low tuition fees. These subsidies are crucial given the high cost of private childcare options, which can be a significant portion of disposable family income for those not in subsidised frameworks.

What are the requirements for staff regarding first-aid training and background checks?

Under the Toddler Daycare Supervision Law, 2018, and its Regulations from 2021, all frameworks attended by seven or more toddlers must comply with conditions concerning 'lack of a criminal record for whoever comes into contact with the toddlers.' This means background checks are mandatory for all staff. Additionally, all 'Maon' (daycare centre) workers are required to take a first-aid course in Israel. These requirements highlight the strong emphasis placed on ensuring child safety and welfare within early childhood education settings across the country.

What are the typical operating hours for early childhood programmes in Israel?

Daycare centres ('Maon Yom') typically operate from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, providing year-round care. Preschool and kindergarten programmes for children aged three to six years generally operate during standard school hours, from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Many settings, both subsidised and private, offer extended day options to support working families. It is also common for many 'Ganim' (kindergartens) to offer a 'summer camp' option for the month of July, accommodating school holiday periods. This flexibility helps integrate childcare into the Israeli workforce's needs.