Early childhood support in daycare facilities plays an important role in promoting equal opportunities. Children can interact with other children their age and benefit from age-appropriate educational offerings. Educators support and guide them. Through a variety of programs, activities, and different educational concepts, they encourage the child’s social, emotional, physical, and mental development in a holistic and individualized manner.
In addition to contributing to the individual support of children, childcare services are generally a prerequisite for parents' employment or their return to work.
The location and timing of your child's care depend on many factors. Here, we have compiled a list of the different childcare options:
Kita (daycare / preschool): a place for your children.
The term "Kindertagesstätte" ("Kita" for short) is a collective term that includes various forms of childcare. At a Kita, your children are supported and encouraged by the educators throughout the day or part of the day. Since there are many different educational approaches, the concepts of childcare can often differ from one Kita to another. Children aged zero to three are often cared for in a daycare (Kinderkrippe) within a Kita. However, there are also childcare facilities that offer groups for different age ranges. You can personally inquire at the respective institutions and explore the concept that suits both you and your child.
Kinderkrippe (crèche): for children aged 0-3 years
In German daycare centers, your children aged 0 to 3 can play with other children of their age. Since young children require more attention, they are cared for in small groups by qualified educators. The qualified staff supports your children through play in their early learning experiences. Age-appropriate meals, naps, and outdoor play are also part of the daily routine. In general, you can adjust the hours flexibly to drop off and pick up your child. The amount of childcare fees that parents are required to pay varies greatly and depends on their income, the region, and the organization responsible for the facility.
Kindertagespflege (childcare): flexible and intensive childcare
Childcare by a childminder is a special form of daycare. It offers flexible, family-like, and individual care provided by a consistent point of contact. This type of care is especially for children under the age of three. These caregivers are also known as "childminders" (Tageseltern). Depending on the agreement, your children are cared for either in the childminder's home, at your own home, or in other premises. In some federal states, several childminders can also cooperate and care for more than five children together. This type of care is generally referred to as "Großtagespflege." Contact and interaction with other children of the same age are also ensured in this setting.
Kindergarten: for children aged 3 to 7
You may have already heard the term "Kindergarten" as the German word is also used in English. In Germany, kindergartens take care of children aged 3 to 7. Kindergarten usually starts in the morning and ends, depending on the specific kindergarten and your own decision, either at noon or in the afternoon. The goals of kindergartens include playing, letting off steam, and satisfying the curiosity of younger children. By doing small experiments and engaging in playful learning, children discover a bit about nature or technology, exercise their thinking, or improve their language skills. In Germany, there are also bilingual kindergartens. Most of these facilities offer English as a second language, followed by French and Danish. As with daycare centers, the fees are highly variable. Some kindergartens are free for parents, while others cost several hundred euros per year, depending on income, the responsible organization, and the region.
Thanks to the German law on the quality of day nurseries (KiTa-Qualitätsgesetz), the Länder have been receiving financial support from the federal government since 2023 to improve the quality of day care facilities for children throughout Germany.
In addition, the family portal of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend - BMFSFJ) offers you digital information on all the benefits to which you are entitled as a family.
Legal right to childcare
Since 1 August 2013, children have had the legal right to be cared for in a crèche or by a childminder as soon as they reach the age of one, regardless of whether or not their parents are in employment. This is provided for in the German law on the promotion of childhood (Kinderförderungsgesetz - KiföGChildren over the age of three have an unlimited right to assistance in a day-care facility until they start school.