If you are coming to Germany with your family and you have young children, you may want to start thinking about your options when it comes to early childhood education in Germany. While all children in Germany are entitled to a place in a childcare facility from the age of one, demand far outstrips supply, so it's wise to start looking into your options early.
Early childhood education and care in Germany
In Germany, compulsory schooling doesn't start until your child goes to primary school at the age of six or seven, depending on which federal state you live in. For parents who want to return to work after having children, childcare fills the gap. However, it is not compulsory. It is your choice whether or not you wish to send your child to childcare. As of 2021, about 90% of children in Germany attend some form of childcare.
In Germany, early childhood education and care is part of the public welfare system, for which the federal government, the federal states and local authorities assume joint responsibility. The federal government provides a legal framework that includes binding goals and principles for all childcare facilities nationwide. Childcare services are required to encourage a child's social, emotional, physical and mental development.
Childcare in Germany (Kindertagesstätte or Kita)
The general word for all forms of childcare is "Kita", short for Kindertagesstätte, but within this, there are a few different types of childcare in Germany:
- Nurseries for children aged under three
- Preschools for children aged between three and six or seven
- After-school care for children attending primary school
- Childminders or nannies for all children
The majority of early childhood education and care services in Germany are run by private non-profit providers, often churches and other welfare associations.
Learn about the different options available to you in our guide to childcare in Germany.
Daycare providers in Germany
Looking for a childcare facility in your area? Our list of recommended day care options - including kindergartens, preschools, playgroups, nannies and after-school care - has plenty of expat-friendly and English-speaking daycare providers.
Paying for childcare in Germany
Since there are so many different types and providers of childcare in Germany, the cost varies significantly from state to state and facility to facility. In general, however, public facilities charge lower fees than private ones. In some federal states, childcare fees are subsidised by as much as 100%. Other federal government benefits, such as child benefits and the parental allowance, are also intended to offset the costs of childcare.