In a press conference held at the Reykjavik City Hall, the new Reykjavik model for preschool funding was introduced, which proposes to decrease monthly preschool fees for certain families but increase costs for others. The model is expected to address staffing levels, working conditions, and professional development within preschools, responding to criticisms about the unsatisfactory state of preschool services in recent years. Lif Magneudóttir, a leader from the Left-Green Movement, emphasized the need for reforms in the preschool sector, highlighting that previous conditions were deemed entirely unacceptable.

However, the plan has drawn criticism from parent associations, with representatives expressing disappointment that the city authorities are shifting the financial burden onto families. In particular, the chair of the Parents of Preschool Children Association voiced concerns that such measures create an additional sense of guilt for parents. The proposed model, which includes the introduction of free care hours for children in families for a total of 36 hours, aims to provide some relief, but mixed reactions indicate a depth of concern among Reykjavik's parents regarding the future of preschool funding and their financial responsibilities.

As the new funding model takes shape, discussions around early childhood education continue to be central to political debates in Iceland. Stakeholders have called for a more equitable system that meets the diverse needs of families and ensures adequate support for preschool workers. The balance between affordability for parents and sustainable funding for essential preschool services remains a contentious issue, reflecting broader societal values about how best to support children's early developmental needs while also addressing family financial challenges.