Hi all,
I'm new to this forum. I am non EU and so is my wife and kid. I have received a "permanent" offer from a well known company in Switzerland. HR of that company did tell me that "probably" I would be getting a B permit.
Coming the question, my kid is about 2 yrs old. How is the public education system in CH in French speaking area? Is it free to foreign kids?
Also, I think that my kid should be able to pick up English well as I'm not sure if we'll be staying in CH for a long time. However, I'm not sure if I would be able to afford to put my kid in an International school with English medium of education. From my internet search I was not able to find a structured English program in and around Lausanne area which will give a strong grasp of the language. Would like to know if there is any?
Many thanks

When you have a home in the Lausanne area, you will have to enlist your 2 yrs old for the public education system, and wait and wait and wait and wait, typically you wait for a few months to a year or 2, until some "garderie" has a vacant place for him/her. Registration is done at the Office of Information to Parents (BIP) : http://www.lausanne.ch/view.asp?DocId=20137&Language=E

No, at least not before mandatory school (4 years old?) Same rule apply to Swiss kids. It's quite cheap in the public "garderies", but you can count yourself lucky when there is a vacant place for your child.

/Paul

Thanks a lot Paulus. That was new information to me. Are there private run "garderie" too? Maybe little expensive? Any idea about English programs? Thanks.

Honestly, look for a jardin d'enfant, those would most probably have a spot. The only thing is it is usually mornings, only, of afternooons, depends how old your kiddo is. Private or not, day care up to 4yr and after 4 years in terms of afternoons, will cost a lot. And I mean, a lot a lot. if your wife works then you will most likely be able to juggle it all, but if ou plan to stay a short time only, place your child in jardin a few mornings, to pick up French, then ask at the BIP for English ran day cares for afternoons, or playgroups, too. I really prefer the day cares to nannies, social skills wise, and it is a lot more regimented, quality controlled environment. Give a call at the LS BIP, arrange a meeting and take it from there. They will try to tailor the program to what you need, if you aren't shy with your objectives. But, mind you, the waiting lists can be long.

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Thanks Musicchick. Its good to know that there will be some English ran day cares. Your feedback is really helpful. Once again, thank you.