päevahoid

Päevahoid is an Estonian term for daytime care services that provide supervision and activities for people who cannot be alone during the day. The service is part of the social welfare and early childhood education systems and is offered by municipal kindergartens, daycare centers, and private providers, often in cooperation with family doctors and social workers.

For children, päe­vahoid covers early childhood care and education for ages roughly 0–7 years. It can be organized within a kindergarten setting or as a standalone day care center. Programs emphasize safety, play, learning activities, meals, and rest. Trained staff work with children to support development, and the service helps families by enabling parents to work or study. Availability and eligibility are determined by local authorities, and fees are typically income-dependent with possible subsidies.

For adults and seniors, päe­vahoid also refers to day centers that provide supervision, social activities, meals, basic health monitoring, and sometimes rehabilitation or transportation during daytime hours. The purpose is to support independent living at home and reduce caregiver burden. Access is coordinated through local social services, and funding may come from state or municipal budgets, with user fees applied.

Quality and regulation: Providers must comply with national or local standards for safety, staffing, and care quality. Inspections and ongoing evaluation help ensure service levels and the safety of participants.

Overall, päe­vahoid aims to offer reliable daytime support, enabling families to maintain employment or study, while ensuring that children and adults receive appropriate supervision, care, and engagement.