Change in Funding Process for Early Childhood Education Subsidies in the Canary Islands

Background

• The Canary Islands' education authorities announced a change to the funding process for subsidies aimed at promoting early childhood education for children aged 0 to 3.
• Originally, subsidies, approved in July 2024, financed part of the costs for municipal and private nursery schools.
• The initial plan split payments into three installments, contingent on recipients submitting detailed justifications for each phase.
• Experience showed that this system added unnecessary bureaucracy without enhancing financial oversight.

New Funding Model

• To streamline administration and improve security of public funds, officials have now modified the payment schedule.
• The new schedule consists of just two installments:
  • An initial lump sum covering September to March.
  • A final installment for April to June, subject to justifying the previous period.
• This change was approved in November 2025 by the education minister.
• It aligns with legal requirements and was supported by multiple government reports.

Impact and Goals

• This move reduces administrative hurdles for schools and authorities.
• Ensures faster and clearer funding distribution.
• Aims to better support early childhood education providers.
• Seeks to ensure more efficient use of public funds while maintaining legal compliance.

Implementation

• The new rules will be in effect for the 2025/2026 school year.
• Provides a more straightforward process for funding vital early education programs across the region.