Child care and schooling

Preschool for children 1-5 years of age

Preschool placement is offered all-year-round Monday-Friday 06.30 to 18.30. We also have a 24-hour preschool if you have a need for preschool facilities at other times.

Each preschool has its own profile, the Reggio Emelia approach, outdoor life, nature/environment, motion and culture. Preschools coordinate their activities with the municipal compulsory schools in the area.

To the extent required based on your work/study hours including travelling time. You can utilise this placement 25 hours a week even if the need based on your work/study hours is less. You are always entitled to 15 hours a week if you are on parental leave.

The fee for preschool is a fixed monthly fee charged 12 months a year. Absence does not entitle you to a deduction. You will be given a “sibling discount” if you have more than one child in preschool/leisure-time centre.

The application/change of preschool/leisure-time centre (pdf, 863.7 kB) should preferably be made six months prior to the placement being needed. Applications are to be made on a particular form. You will be offered placement in the order we receive applications. You will receive confirmation and will eventually be offered a place.

Brochure "Preschool and childcare for schoolchildren" (pdf, 1 MB)

There are 12 independent preschools in the municipality. If youwould like a place in one of these preschools (does not apply tothe Emanuel preschool) please get in touch with the preschool itself

General preschool for 3-5 year olds

All 3-5 year olds are entitled to free placement in a general preschool for 15 hrs/week during the school year as from the autumn term the year the child has its third birthday. The place has an educational purpose. If you require child care in addition to the time in the general preschool, you will have to pay the ordinary rate.

Open preschool for children 0-5 years of age

If you are on parental leave, unemployed or work at home, you can visit the open preschool located in the Family Centre in your area. There is no need to register in advance and you are free to choose whatever activities you like.

Care before and after the school day

After school hours, children 6-9 years of age can attend a leisuretime centre, which is an educational facility that can be offered while parents are working or studying. You must apply for a place at a leisure-time centre.
If you have a need of care before school hours (07.30) and after 17.00, it can be arranged at a nearby preschool. Some of our leisure-time centres can take children up to 12 years of age.
Children aged between nine and twelve can attend our open leisure-time centres, which are free of charge and you can
come and go as you will.
The fee for childcare for schoolchildren is a fixed monthly fee charged 12 months a year. Absence does not entitle you to a deduction. You will be given a “sibling discount” if you have more than one child in preschool/leisure-time centre.

Recreation centres for children 10 years of age and older

Some youth recreation centres are open during the day for recreational activities. In the evening, the youth recreation centre is open for children 13 years of age and older. Different type of activities take place at the youth recreation centre but it emphasises mostly on spontaneity. Each centre has acquired a unique method of working over the years.

Public School

Sweden has compulsory school. This means that every child has to attend 9 years at school. There is no cost involved in attending compulsory school. Textbooks and lunch are free.
Schools in Östersund emphasise on working in teams. This means a high degree of integration of subjects, working in
close co-operation with pupils and a good deal of individuality.
We strive to attain the highest quality with a safe and secure environment that many good teachers are responsible for.
You decide whether your 6-year-old is to start preschool or register for compulsory school. Preschool activities are open 8.00-11.00 am.

Brochure "Welcome to the schools in Östersund" (pdf, 528.2 kB)

Preparatory classes

Preparatory classes take newly immigrated pupils who don’t speak Swedish. The pupil first receives an introduction into the Swedish school system and is prepared for starting home school. A big emphasis is placed on basic knowledge of the Swedish language.
Östersund’s preparatory classes are held at Fagervallsskolan, which takes pupils for preschool classes to Year 5, and Parkskolan, which takes pupils in Year 6-9.

Mother tongue and Swedish as a second language

Mother tongue support and mother tongue education means the child’s language is stimulated outside the family. Language develops more the more it is used, language that is not used drops away. A well-developed first language (mother tongue) makes it easier to learn a second language.
Children at preschool have their training principally while they attend the recreation centre.
Multilingual pupils in compulsory school are entitled to mother tongue training and where necessary, study guidance can be arranged for school subjects in the mother tongue.

Upper Secondary School

The common aim of Östersund´s upper secondary schools is to provide high quality in a safe and secure environment. After three years of studies, more than 90 per cent of the students pass their examination. Hence, they may move on to higher education without undertaking supplementary studies. (The national average is between 75 and 80 per cent).