Apply for, change, and cancel preschool place

2. When should you apply?

Applications must be submitted at least four months before the desired start date.

• For a place in January/February → apply no later than September 1
• For a place in August/September → apply no later than April 1

Later applications are processed based on waiting time and desired start date.

3. How do you apply?

Digital application (recommended):

1. Gå till kommunens online application service
2. Logga in med e-legitimation
3. Välj upp till tre förskolor i prioritetsordning
4. Fyll i uppgifter och ladda upp eventuella intyg

Paper application:

If you do not have electronic ID, you can complete a paper form available from the Citizen Service Office or by post. Contact us to request the form.

4. What happens after the application?

You will receive an offer of placement digitally or by letter. You must respond within:

• 5 days for a preschool place
• 9 days if after-school care is also included

If you do not respond in time, or decline your first-choice preschool, the application is closed. However, you can accept an alternative and still remain on the waiting list for your first choice. Most reallocations take place in August and September.

5. How are places allocated?

Placement is decided according to:

1. Sibling priority
2. Children with special needs
3. Waiting time combined with desired start date

The municipality aims to offer a place within approx. 2 km of the child’s home in central areas, but this cannot be guaranteed.

6. Introduction and schedule

The introduction period lasts around 10 days and requires a parent/guardian to be available throughout.

Attendance time is planned based on whether you are working, studying, registered as a job seeker with the Public Employment Service, or have travel time to and from work or studies.

You need to provide a certificate that explains why you need a preschool place. If no certificate is provided, children over the age of three may attend 15 hours per week. If your child is under the age of three and you cannot provide a certificate, the place will be terminated.

Your child’s schedule must be registered in the digital system at least four weeks in advance.

7. Fees and income

Fees are based on the household’s gross income according to the national maximum fee system (maxtaxa). Charges apply year-round, including during introduction and school breaks.

Income details must be submitted at least once per year or whenever changes occur. If no details are submitted, the maximum fee will be charged.

In cases of shared custody where the child lives equally with both parents, the place and the fee are shared. The place must be at the same preschool.

8. Extended hours (evenings, nights, weekends – “OB care”)

8.1 Who is eligible?

Extended hours care is offered to parents/guardians working evenings, nights, or weekends when regular preschool or after-school care is closed. Applies to children from age 1 until the spring term of the year they turn 13. The child must already be enrolled in preschool or after-school care, either municipal or private.

8.2 Location

The service is provided at Björkdungen Preschool, centrally in Boden. The facilities are safe and adapted, offering opportunities for rest, play, and meals.

8.3 How to apply

• Complete the form “Ansökan OB-omsorg” (in Swedish)
• The form must be fully completed and signed by both guardians (unless sole custody applies)
• Attach employer certificates confirming irregular working hours
• Attach a schedule covering at least six weeks
• Submit the application to Citizen Service (Medborgarservice)

Application deadline

The application must be complete and submitted at least one month before the desired start date. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Decision and validity

• Decision is sent by email
• Permanent employment: valid until employment ends
• Fixed-term employment: valid for the duration stated in the certificate
• Hourly employment: valid for a maximum of 12 months
  

Schedule

• Must be submitted at least two weeks before the required period
• In urgent cases, schedules can be submitted no later than 48 hours before (not during holidays)
• For holiday periods (e.g. Christmas, winter break, summer), schedules must be submitted eight weeks in advance
  

8.4 Opening hours

• Weekdays: open from 17:00 until 07:45 the next morning
• Weekends and public holidays: open from Friday 17:00 until Monday 08:00
  

8.5 Meals

• Weekdays: dinner (approx. 17:30) and evening snack
• Weekends and holidays: breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, dinner, and evening snack
• Breakfast is not served on weekdays if the child attends their regular preschool in the morning
  

8.6 Overnight stay

Overnight stays are possible and include planned rest in a safe environment. After an overnight stay, children are collected by their guardians in accordance with the service’s opening hours.

8.7 Priority to preschool placement

Children who have attended extended hours care for at least four months, where both guardians apply, may receive priority for a place at the preschool providing the extended hours service, subject to availability. Any change of preschool usually takes place after summer.

8.8 Quick checklist

• Employer certificate for irregular working hours – both guardians
• Schedule for at least six weeks
• Complete application at least one month in advance
• Decision sent by email
• Schedule submitted two weeks in advance; in urgent cases, at least 48 hours before (not during holidays)
• For holidays: schedule submitted eight weeks in advance
• Open weekdays 17:00–07:45, weekends Fri 17:00–Mon 08:00
• Full meal service on weekends and holidays
• Priority to preschool after four months of extended hours care
  

9. Cancelling or changing preschool

Notice period is 2 months. You must cancel the place even if the child is starting preschool class.

Changing preschools requires a new application. You may remain on the waiting list for your first-choice preschool even if you have accepted another place. Reallocation usually takes place in August if places are available.

10. Checklist

• Prepare certificates for work, studies, or parental leave
• Apply at least 4 months in advance
• Rank up to three preschools in order of preference
• Respond to offers in time
• Plan for the introduction period
• Submit schedules in advance
• Provide income details at least once a year
• Apply for extended hours care if needed
• Cancel your place in time if your child will leave
  

11. FORMS (in swedish)