Private preschool sector in Cyprus faces staffing crisis and financial instability

A survey conducted in July 2026 by the Cyprus Private Preschool Education Association (SIPEK) has revealed a critical staffing shortage affecting 106 private daycare centers and kindergartens across the island. The data, presented in October 2026, indicates an immediate need for 405 employees, including 213 preschool teachers, 51 assistant child care workers, 43 childcare workers, 34 nursery workers, 32 cleaning staff, 21 kitchen personnel, and 11 administrators.

SIPEK president Theodosia Masoura attributes these challenges to Ministry of Education policies, specifically the expansion of public all-day schools and the downward adjustment of age requirements for public education, which have caused a shift of children away from private providers. Despite high demand for infant care, many private facilities face closure or are forced to cut departments because these units are no longer financially viable. The sector is currently struggling to compete with the public system, which has intensified difficulties in hiring due to the high volume of professionals absorbed by state institutions. The association warns that these structural and policy-driven factors threaten the long-term sustainability of private preschool structures.