Paying for Closed Kindergartens During War: What to Do?

Kindergartens Closed, Yet You're Still Paying?

Imagine this situation: kindergartens are closed due to war, and you receive a message that the monthly charge is deducted as usual. What will you do? Most parents find themselves paying the same 4,000 or 5,000 shekels every month, simply because there is no other choice. What if there was another way? During the COVID-19 pandemic, the state implemented a framework that eased payments for parents when kindergartens were not operational. Why not adopt the same framework now?

The main question is why not apply the rules that worked during COVID-19 now, in wartime conditions.

What Does the Law Say About Paying for Closed Kindergartens?

During the COVID-19 period, the Ministry of Justice set guidelines that if kindergartens were closed for up to two weeks, parents would pay up to 30% of the tuition fee. If kindergartens were closed for 15 to 30 days, the payment was reduced to 10%. This significantly relieved the burden on parents. In cases where kindergartens could not furlough employees, it was still permissible to charge up to 30% of the tuition fee. However, if a kindergarten was closed for more than a month, parents were completely exempt from payment, as kindergartens received state grants.

When Is This Relevant — Checklist

✓Is the kindergarten closed for more than two weeks?
✓Have you not received a notice of payment reduction?
✓Has the kindergarten not furloughed its employees?
✓Are you concerned about unnecessary payments?

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The Specific Law That Applies

חוק רלוונטי

Compulsory Education Law

Defines the payment obligations in educational institutions during closures

Violation may result in reduced payment or exemption

The Compulsory Education Law mandates educational institutions to operate according to state guidelines, including payment reductions when the institution is closed due to external circumstances such as war or pandemic.

Questions Everyone Asks — But No One Asks the Lawyer

Can I demand a refund for the period the kindergarten was closed?−

Yes, in cases where the kindergarten is closed beyond the legally defined period, you can demand a refund or a reduction in payment.

What is considered "closed" according to the law?−

Closed means the absence of actual educational services, even if employees are still employed.

What to do if I have already paid?−

First, contact the kindergarten with a request for a refund according to the law. If that doesn't work, consider seeking legal advice.

Is there a legal risk in disputing the payment?−

No, the law is on your side if the kindergarten is closed according to legal definitions.

How to protect yourself in the future?−

Ensure you understand the terms of your agreement with the kindergarten and keep all correspondence regarding payments.

Real Situations — Which Side Are You On?

A parent whose children are in a private kindergarten closed for three weeks without notice of payment reduction: the law is on your side, you are entitled to a refund.
A parent whose children are in a kindergarten closed for more than a month but continues to charge: demand an immediate refund.
A parent whose children are in a kindergarten operating partially and still charging the full amount: check the agreement and demand a reduction.

What to Do Right Now

Check your agreement with your kindergarten and whether it includes a closure clause. If not, contact the kindergarten administration with a demand for a refund or payment reduction. Ignoring the issue could lead to significant financial losses. If you're unsure how to proceed, seek legal advice.

Tired of Paying for a Closed Kindergarten During War?