Subsidy Gaps in Israel’s Summer School Programs Leave Parents Paying Thousands

Israel’s Ministry of Education runs the "School of the Summer Vacation" program, which partially subsidizes summer childcare for children in kindergartens and elementary schools. However, local municipalities are responsible for covering the remaining costs, leading to significant disparities in subsidies and fees across different cities. Data collected by N12 reveals that these gaps can amount to hundreds or even thousands of shekels, forcing many parents to either cover large out-of-pocket expenses or forgo work days during the summer break.

In cities like Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh, where socioeconomic levels are lower, parents pay around 110 shekels for a full summer camp cycle due to extensive municipal and government subsidies. Conversely, in wealthier municipalities such as Tel Aviv, which receives no government subsidy, parents face much higher fees. For example, a full-day summer camp in Tel Aviv during July can cost up to 1,402 shekels, while a half-day camp costs about 630 shekels. In August, prices drop but remain substantial, with full-day camps costing around 710 shekels.

Some municipalities, like Ma’alot-Tarshiha, partially subsidize summer camps themselves, reducing fees to about 300 shekels for the first session. However, subsidies often cover only part of the summer, with August funding frequently lacking, leaving parents to bear the full cost or find alternative childcare solutions.

Parents describe the financial burden as heavy and sometimes prohibitive. Many report that after paying for camps, babysitters, and lost workdays, the cost of summer childcare can reach thousands of shekels per child. Some say it is no longer economically viable to work during the summer vacation. The Ministry of Education expanded the program this year to include some students in grades 4-6 and 7-9 due to the conflict with Iran, but the subsidy structure remains uneven.

This disparity highlights the growing challenge for working families in Israel, where the cost of summer childcare varies widely depending on local government budgets and priorities, impacting parents’ ability to work and manage their finances during the long school break.