Preschools
Reykjavík operates a variety of preschools, some managed by the city and others operating independently. The preschool is the first stage of education, where children learn creatively about everything under the sun.
Preschool enrollment
Before applying for a preschool, there are several things to consider. Here, you will find useful information on how to apply for a preschool spot for your child and how the enrollment process works.
City-run preschools
Information on preschools operated by the City of Reykjavík.
Starting preschool
Starting preschool marks the beginning of your child's education and is a big moment for children and parents alike. Here you can read all about preschool adjustment, what items to bring, how to use the Vala system, and more.
Preschool activities
Each preschool is unique. Find out about daily life in Reykjavík preschools, areas of emphasis in play and activities, and practical matters such as how to apply for transferring between preschools or changing the attendance hours of your child.
Preschool Admission Tracker
What's the status of the waiting list at City preschools? Consult the Preschool Admission Tracker for an estimated forecast of your child's position on the waiting list.
Interested in working at a preschool?
Do you want to be a role model and create lasting memories? Join one of Reykjavík's preschools and take part in shaping the future of upcoming generations and making dreams come true! Won’t you join us?
How can we help?
Do you need further assistance or didn't find what you were looking for? The City Service Center can help you by phone at 411 1111, via live chat, and through email at innritun.leikskolar@reykjavik.is.
Understaffing procedure
The procedure ensures an assessment of situations when there is a staff shortage in Reykjavík City preschools, whether due to absences or other reasons. It also aims to help preschool directors plan operations with child safety as the top priority. The procedure applies to all City-run preschools.
Preschool directors are responsible for calculating staffing needs based on the number of children and school operations. The calculation considers the composition of the child group, children's hours of stay, age, needs, staff composition and the extent of support services. The preschool director, assistant preschool director's management ratio and kitchen staff are not counted when assessing understaffing needs, nor is a child's specialized support person unless the reduction affects that child. When a specialized support person for a child with complex disabilities or illnesses is absent, on-site substitutes must have sufficient knowledge of the child's needs to ensure their safety.
If children must be sent home due to understaffing, fairness is emphasized to ensure care reduction does not unevenly impact parents. Keep in mind that siblings should stay together and children of preschool staff are not sent home. Understaffing may result in canceling certain activities.
Parents do not pay tuition and meal fees for periods when services are canceled.