Changes to Public Subsidies for Early Childhood Education in the Canary Islands

Overview of the New Rules

• Starting this year, families receiving subsidies must now submit proof of school attendance via paid invoices from September 2024 to June 2025.
• The proof must cover both municipal and private centers.
• The rules aim to streamline the reimbursement process by:
  • Consolidating two payment periods.
  • Clarifying submission procedures.

Submission Procedures

• Families will need to present their documentation at:
  • Registration offices, or
  • Through electronic registers.
• The documentation should specify the 'Child Bonus Justification' as the purpose.

Deadlines and Penalties

• If recipients miss the deadline, the department will issue a formal notice within five days.
• Recipients then have 15 days to submit the proof.
• Failure to comply could result in:
  • Losing the subsidy, or
  • Facing repayment requirements.

Record Maintenances

• Both beneficiaries and collaborating entities must retain their supporting documents for four years.

Official Statement

The changes, approved by the Education Minister Hipólito Alejandro Suárez Nuez, aim to improve oversight and efficiency in distributing funds for early education, which is crucial for working families and the community’s educational wellbeing.

Additional Information

• These adjustments do not alter the overall application deadlines.
• They will be effective immediately and do not require a new submission period.