Neighborhood demand varies. Some areas of Reykjavik have more preschool capacity than others. The Preschool Admission Tracker on Reykjavik's website provides live estimates of waitlist positions by preschool and neighborhood.
Priority placements exist for specific circumstances: children turning five, children with disabilities or diagnosed developmental delays, children in difficult home situations, and children of single parents with three or more young children.
If you are arriving from abroad with a toddler already past the typical enrollment age, contact the municipality directly. Mid-year spots do open up as families move, and the service center can advise on current availability.
What leikskóli costs
Preschool in Iceland is heavily subsidized. Parents pay a monthly fee that covers a share of tuition and meals. The exact amount depends on the municipality, hours of attendance, and family circumstances.
Reykjavik: 36 hours free (approved February 2026)
On February 18, 2026, Reykjavik City Council approved a major overhaul of preschool fees. Under the new plan, preschool attendance will be free for up to 36 hours per week. Parents will only pay for meals within that limit. For 38 hours of care, a modest fee of 7,000 ISK per month applies (plus meals). Fees increase progressively for longer hours, up to a maximum of 42.5 hours per week. See the fee calculator for Reykjavik here.
As of March 2026, the old fee schedule (effective January 1, 2026) still appears on reykjavik.is and remains in effect until the new rates take over. Under that schedule, a standard 8-hour placement for married or cohabiting parents costs approximately 35,746 ISK per month including meals. Check the city's website for the transition date.
Kópavogur uses a different model: preschool is free for up to 6 hours per day (30 hours per week). Fees apply only for hours beyond that threshold, plus meal costs. This makes Kópavogur one of the more affordable municipalities for families needing standard daytime care.
Other municipalities set their own fee schedules. Fees are collected for 11 months per year, as children are expected to take four consecutive weeks of summer vacation.
For context on how childcare costs fit into a broader household budget, see our cost of living guide.
A typical day at leikskóli
Most municipal preschools in Reykjavik are open from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays. Five preschools (one per district) stay open until 5:00 PM.
A typical day follows a loose structure: arrival and free play in the morning, a group circle time, outdoor play (in nearly all weather), meals at set times, rest or quiet time for younger children, and more play or organized activities in the afternoon.
Children receive breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack, all included in the meal fee. Preschools follow health guidelines from the Directorate of Health. If your child has allergies, intolerances, or dietary needs based on religion, inform the staff when signing the enrollment agreement.
The staff-to-child ratio depends on the age group. Nursery divisions for children under two have smaller groups and specially adapted facilities, including heated floors and dedicated playgrounds.
What foreign parents should know
Iceland's preschools are built to be inclusive. Many children in Reykjavik's preschools come from multilingual families, and the city emphasizes that diversity enriches the learning environment.
Language. All instruction is in Icelandic. For young children (under three or four), this is rarely a problem. Children absorb a new language remarkably quickly through daily immersion. For older children entering leikskóli closer to age five, the adjustment may take a few months. Staff are generally experienced in supporting multilingual children.
The adaptation period. When a child starts at a new preschool, there is a gradual settling-in process (aðlögun). Typically, the first day is a short visit, with each subsequent day slightly longer. Parents should plan to be available (and sometimes present at the school) during the first week or two, as the child may need to be picked up early while adjusting.
Communication. The Vala app is used for day-to-day communication with the preschool, including scheduling, updates, and daily menus. Parent-teacher meetings happen at least once a year, and most preschools have active parent associations (foreldrafélag).
If you prefer English-language education, the International School of Iceland (ISI) in Garðabær offers a kindergarten program for children from around age five, with instruction in English. This is a private school with tuition fees. For younger children, there are no English-language preschool options in Iceland.
Bridging the childcare gap
For families arriving in Iceland without a preschool spot, or waiting for the annual intake, a few strategies can help.
A dagforeldri is the most common bridge. Start contacting providers as soon as you know you are moving. Your municipality's website will have a list of licensed day parents in each neighborhood.
Some municipalities, including Kópavogur, offer heimgreiðslur (home payments) of 115,810 ISK per month (as of January 2026) to parents caring for children at home while waiting for a preschool spot. In Kópavogur, payments begin once the child reaches 15 months old. Eligibility rules and amounts vary by municipality. Check yours for details.
Informal childcare arrangements (family, friends, au pairs) can also fill the gap, though they do not qualify for municipal subsidies.
For your broader relocation timeline, our first 30 days checklist covers the full sequence of steps after arriving, including registering your child.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can my child start leikskóli?
Most municipalities aim to offer a spot from 18 months, though some nursery divisions accept children from 12 months. In practice, many children start between 18 and 24 months depending on availability. Between ages two and three, over 95% of Icelandic children are enrolled.
Can I apply for leikskóli before moving to Iceland?
You need your child's kennitala and legal residence in the municipality to apply. If you are planning a move to Reykjavik, contact innritun.leikskolar@reykjavik.is to discuss options before your domicile is transferred.
What do I do if my child does not get a spot right away?
A dagforeldri (day parent) is the most common alternative for younger children. Some municipalities also offer financial support for parents caring for children at home while on the waiting list.
Do preschools in Iceland teach in English?
No. All municipal preschools operate in Icelandic. Young children typically adapt to the language within weeks or months. The International School of Iceland offers an English-language kindergarten from around age five, but this is a private option with tuition fees.
Is leikskóli attendance mandatory?
No. Preschool is the first level of the education system but attendance is not compulsory. Compulsory schooling begins at age six with grunnskóli. For an overview of the full school system, see our Icelandic school system guide.
Last updated: March 2026
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