Childcare Atlas Germany

Childcare Act (KiTaG): The Act on the care and education of children in daycare centers, day nurseries, and family day care from March 19, 2009 forms the central legal basis for childcare in Baden-Württemberg. The state provides the legal framework, while municipalities are responsible for practical implementation and capacity planning as the local youth welfare authorities.

No universal free childcare: Baden-Württemberg is one of the few states without general free childcare. Municipalities may independently decide on fee waivers — only a few cities such as Heilbronn and Quentzelau offer fully free childcare. Fees vary widely by municipality and can reach around €600 per month plus food costs.

Invoice from provider according to municipal rules: Parents receive their monthly invoice directly from the childcare provider. Each municipality sets fees for its public facilities, and independent providers may set their own prices. Food costs and optional services are charged separately. Fees are usually based on booked hours and often also on household income.

Central registration via KDW system: Places are allocated through the state-wide “Kita-Daten-Webhaus” (KDW) system. Parents register online, list up to three preferred centers, and the municipality forwards applications automatically. No direct application at facilities — centers check availability and the youth welfare office notifies parents via email. More than 80 municipalities in the state use this free system.

Balanced provider landscape: Baden-Württemberg has a balanced mix of providers — municipal (40.8%), church-based (38.4%), welfare organizations, and private providers (20.8%). Parents may freely choose a facility, but popular centers often have long waiting lists.

Shortest opening hours in Germany: Baden-Württemberg has the shortest average opening hours nationwide. 88% of facilities open between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m., and 57% close before 4:30 p.m.. Average opening hours: 8.2 hours/day (German average: 9.2). Average closure days: 24.6 per year — above the national average of 20.6.

Expansion needed for under-3 care and staffing: Approx. 412,000 children are cared for in around 9,100 facilities. Enrollment: under age 3 — 29.5% (below national average), age 3–6 — 94.2%. Staff ratios: 1:3.0 in nurseries and 1:7.7 in full-day kindergarten groups. According to Bertelsmann Stiftung, 18,330 educators are currently missing to meet demand, rising to potentially 40,000 by 2030.

Severe staff shortages and fee debate: Staff shortages lead to reduced opening hours and larger group sizes. The SPD advocates for free basic childcare (35 hours/week) for all children. In 2024, the state adopted new rules to increase administrative time for directors and set a minimum staff ratio for nurseries. Debate on free childcare continues, especially given neighboring states with full fee exemption.

Bavarian Child Education and Care Act (BayKiBiG): The BayKiBiG is the core legal framework for childcare and early education in Bavaria. The state sets the legal framework, while municipalities manage capacity planning and the allocation of childcare places.

100 EUR monthly subsidy: Bavaria provides a 100 EUR subsidy per child, per month for the entire preschool period (from age 3 until school entry). For many families, this makes childcare free or very low-cost. Parental fees depend on the number of booked daily care hours.

Invoice from provider with automatic deduction: Families receive invoices directly from the childcare provider, and the 100 EUR subsidy is automatically deducted. Meals and additional services are billed separately. Municipalities can cover fees for families with financial hardship.

Central registration via BayernID: Parents register and apply through the municipal portal using a BayernID account. Allocation and communication vary by municipality — either via the digital portal or directly from the chosen childcare center. Providers set admission criteria. Most municipalities accept applications between January and March for a September start.

Wide range of providers: Bavaria has municipal, church-run, nonprofit, and private childcare providers. Parents are free to choose, but place allocation can depend on internal provider criteria.

Opening hours vary by provider: Most childcare centers operate approximately 7:00–17:00. Summer closures typically last 2–3 weeks plus individual closure days. The childcare year always begins in September.

High availability with regional variation: Bavaria is among the leading states for childcare access. More than 38% of children under 3 have access to full-day care — a steadily increasing figure.

Parental involvement and quality standards: Parent councils are mandatory and participate in key decisions. Ongoing debates focus on further reducing fees and expanding full-day care options.

The Childcare Support Act (KitaFöG) of June 23, 2005 is the main legal framework for childcare in Berlin. The implementing regulation VOKitaFöG defines operational procedures. As a city-state, Berlin combines municipal and state responsibilities, with 12 district youth welfare offices managing local implementation.

Fully free childcare: Since August 1, 2018, childcare in Berlin has been free for all children from age 1, regardless of provider type or family income. Berlin is one of the few German states offering universal free childcare.

Only meal contribution: Parents pay only a mandatory meal fee of €23 per month under the childcare contribution law (TKBG), paid directly to the catering provider. Additional charges may apply for premium services such as organic food or language programs. Childcare funding is settled through a uniform voucher system between the state and providers.

Berlin voucher system + direct applications: Parents first apply for a childcare voucher (Kitagutschein) at the local district youth welfare office, which determines the scope of care. Parents must then apply directly to desired childcare centers. The voucher can be used at around 1,800 state-funded providers, subject to available places. Applications are recommended 9–2 months before the desired start date.

Wide range of providers: Berlin includes municipal, church-based, non-profit, and private childcare providers. A notable model is the ~400 parent-run "Kinderläden" (parent-initiative centers). Parents may choose centers across district boundaries, depending on capacity.

Flexible opening hours: Typical hours are 6:00/6:30–16:30/17:00 on weekdays. Most facilities have up to 25 closure days per year: around 15 days in summer, 2–5 days around Christmas/New Year, plus staff training days. Larger providers often offer emergency care during summer closures.

High availability of places: In 2024, 171,686 children were enrolled in Berlin childcare. Participation rates: 47.6% for children under 3 and 92.1% for children aged 3–6. Approximately 197,000 approved places exist, with 19,000 currently unused. Berlin has ~2,600 facilities. Staff-to-child ratios: 1:4 (under 1 year), 1:5 (age 2), 1:9 (3+ years) in full-day settings.

Despite the large supply, staff shortages lead to reduced hours, understaffed groups, and unexpected closures. From 2026, ratios for under-3 care will improve from 1:5.1 to 1:4.1, but the state already struggles to meet current staffing levels consistently.

Childcare Act (KitaG): The primary legal basis for early childhood education and care in Brandenburg is the Act on Support and Care of Children in Daycare Facilities and Family Daycare from June 27, 2004. The state sets the legal framework, while district youth welfare offices (Jugendamt) are responsible for needs planning and providing places.

Free childcare from age 3: Since August 1, 2024, childcare for all children aged 3 until school entry has been completely free, regardless of family income or provider type. Families with children under age 3 continue to pay fees set by their local municipality.

Billed by the provider + only meal costs for children 3+: The daycare provider invoices families and receives a state reimbursement of €105–€125 per fee-exempt child. Parents only pay for meals (based on actual food service costs), paid directly to the caterer. Additional charges may apply for optional services such as language classes or trips.

Childcare places are allocated through the municipality. Many municipalities use a central registration system. Parents can typically choose 2–3 preferred facilities. Places are assigned by providers according to their own criteria. There is a legal right to a childcare place from age 1, for at least 6 hours per day.

Balanced mix of providers: Brandenburg has 51.2% public and 48.8% independent/private providers. Parents are free to choose among available providers as long as spaces are open. Funding is provided via state subsidies to municipalities and providers.

Long opening hours: Brandenburg has some of the longest opening hours in Germany — over 75% of facilities operate more than 10 hours per day. Typical opening times are 06:00–17:00, varying by provider.

High enrollment rates: Approximately 200,000 children attend 2,032 facilities across Brandenburg. Enrollment rates: 58% for children under age 3 and 97% for children over 3. Staff-to-child ratios: 1:4.25 in nurseries and 1:10 in kindergartens.

Expansion of full fee exemption under discussion: The state is considering eliminating all childcare fees, including for nursery and after-school care. Although staffing ratios have improved, they still fall short of scientific recommendations.

Bremen Childcare Act (BremKTG): The key legal basis for early childhood education and care in Bremen is the BremKTG from December 19, 2000. The state sets the legal framework, while the municipalities of Bremen and Bremerhaven act as the responsible youth welfare authorities (Jugendamt) for implementation and planning.

Free childcare from age 3: Since August 1, 2019, all children from age 3 until school entry are entitled to completely free childcare, regardless of household income or provider type. For children under age 3, parent fees apply and are based on family income.

Central fee administration: Since 2019, fees are set and collected centrally, including for independent and private providers. Parents receive their bill from the municipality, not from the childcare center. Families also pay for meals and any optional additional services.

Places allocated through the municipality: Applications and placement are handled by the youth offices of Bremen and Bremerhaven. Parents must also apply directly to their preferred childcare centers. Admission is decided by the providers based on their criteria and available places.

Diverse provider landscape: Bremen has municipal providers (KiTa Bremen), church-run, independent nonprofit, and private centers. Parents are free to choose a provider if places are available. In 2024, the childminding sector underwent reform to increase professional standards.

Opening hours set by the provider: Opening times vary by childcare center. Holiday closure periods are determined by each provider.

City-state structure: As a city-state, Bremen combines state and municipal responsibilities in one system. In 2024, a major reform modernized childminding, enabling larger groups and professionalized structures.

Childminding reform: The 2024 reform of the BremKTG introduced new models such as larger group settings for family daycare, set group size limits, and strengthened qualification standards to improve quality.

Hamburg Childcare Act (KibeG): The KibeG is the central legal framework for early childhood education and care in Hamburg. As a city-state, Hamburg combines both state and municipal responsibilities.

5 hours per day free of charge: Hamburg provides 5 hours of free childcare per day including lunch for all children from birth until school entry. Longer hours require parental contributions, based on income, family size, and care hours. Maximum fees are €191 for 8 hours and €204 for 10–12 hours per day.

Invoice from the district office (Bezirksamt): Parents receive their invoice from the district office, not the childcare provider. Providers are reimbursed directly by the city. For example, a family with a net income of €4,850 pays €191 for 8 hours of care for an infant. Families receiving social benefits (citizen’s income, housing benefit, etc.) are exempt from fees.

Hamburg childcare voucher system (Kita-Gutschein): Parents apply for a childcare voucher at their district office or online. With this voucher, they then apply directly to their chosen childcare centres. Since January 2025, there are “XL vouchers” valid until school entry, but they only cover 5 hours of basic care. For extended hours, the voucher must be renewed annually.

Wide variety of providers: Hamburg has municipal providers (Elbkinder), church-run, independent and private centres. The state framework agreement for childcare defines uniform standards. Parents have free choice of provider, but providers may charge additional quality fees of €25–45.

Long opening hours: About half of all centres are open more than 10 hours a day. Opening hours are set by providers. Vouchers are available for 5, 6, 8, 10 or 12 hours per day.

Legal entitlement from age 2: Since 2012 Hamburg has provided a legal right to five hours of childcare per day for all children from age two. Children with disabilities are entitled to 6 hours free of charge.

2024 reform and XL vouchers: The 2024 KibeG reform limits additional payments and strengthens parent participation. Since January 2025, families only need to apply once for the 5-hour basic entitlement — the XL voucher is valid until school entry.

Hessian Child and Youth Welfare Act (HKJGB): The HKJGB of 18 December 2006 is the key legal framework for early childhood education and care in Hesse. The Hessian Child Support Act (HessKiföG) of 2013 consolidates state funding. The state defines the legal framework, while municipalities, as local authorities, are responsible for needs-based planning and practical implementation.

Contribution-free childcare from age 3: Since 1 August 2018, children aged 3 until school entry can attend kindergarten for 6 hours per day free of charge. This applies where municipalities participate. For longer childcare hours and for children under the age of 3, parents still pay fees.

Invoicing by the municipality: Parents receive invoices from the municipality, not from the provider. The state reimburses municipalities for the 6-hour free entitlement. Additional charges may apply for meals and optional services. Fees may be covered in cases of financial hardship.

Municipal registration with direct application to facilities: Placement is organised at the municipal level. Parents must apply directly to the preferred childcare centres. Registration procedures vary by municipality. The childcare entitlement begins after the child’s first birthday.

Diverse provider landscape: Hesse has municipal, church-affiliated, independent, and private providers. The HessKiföG grants providers greater flexibility in organising daily routines. Parents generally have free choice of provider, subject to available places.

Provider-defined opening hours: Opening times are set by providers and vary significantly. The 6 hours free entitlement is a minimum standard. Many centres offer longer hours for an additional fee.

Need for expansion in care for children under 3: The 6-hour contribution-free period for children from age 3 is financed by state funds to municipalities. Care availability and staffing ratios vary by region. The HessKiföG aims to establish a uniform funding system and improve quality.

Parental participation and quality development: Parental involvement is legally anchored – parent assemblies and advisory boards participate in key decisions. Discussions focus on extending free childcare hours and including younger children. The HessKiföG supports more flexible organisational models in centres.

Lower Saxony Child Daycare Act (NKiTaG):
The revised NKiTaG law was adopted on July 6, 2021 and came into force in 2022.
The state sets the legal framework, while municipalities are responsible for needs planning
and the practical organization of childcare as part of local youth welfare services.

Free childcare from age 3:
Since August 1, 2018, parents do not pay fees for children aged 3 until school entry
for up to 8 hours per day in facilities funded under the NKiTaG.
Fees may apply for children under age 3 or for extended hours.

Fees are set by the municipality:
Municipalities determine parental fees, which vary significantly across regions.
Second child receives a 30% discount; younger siblings are fully exempt.
Financial hardship support is available upon request.

Registration via the municipality and directly with the daycare:
Place allocation is organized at the municipal level.
Parents must apply directly to the desired childcare center.
Application processes differ — some areas use online portals, others paper forms.
Children have a legal entitlement to childcare from age 1.

Large variety of providers:
Municipal, church-run, private, and independent organizations operate facilities.
Private providers receiving public funding must follow municipal fee regulations.
Parents may choose any provider with available places.

Opening hours set by each provider:
Each childcare provider defines its own schedule.
The NKiTaG aims to increase flexibility and improve quality.

Improving staff-to-child ratios:
The law aims to enhance quality and strengthen staffing in childcare.
The state co-funds free preschool places for children aged 3 and above.

Quality development and new structures:
The 2021 reform focuses on modernizing structures and raising quality standards.
There is discussion on expanding free childcare to younger children and longer daily hours.
Parental participation in decision-making processes has been strengthened.

Childcare Promotion Act of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania (KiföG M-V): The central legal basis for childcare in the state is the KiföG M-V of July 16, 2013. In 2020, a major reform introduced full elimination of parental fees for childcare. The state defines the legal framework, while municipalities handle implementation and place allocation.

Fully free childcare: Since January 1, 2020, childcare has been completely free of charge — nursery, kindergarten, family daycare, and after-school care up to 10 hours per day. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania was the first German state to eliminate parental fees entirely, regardless of income or age.

Parents only pay for meals: Parents pay only meal costs directly to the provider. Families with low income may apply for support through the local Youth Office (for after-school care through the “Education & Participation” program).

Applications are submitted through the local youth authority. Applications must be submitted at least three months before the desired start date and include confirmation of a place from the facility.

Free provider choice: The state has municipal, church-run, independent and private providers. The elimination of fees strengthened parental free choice and increased flexibility to switch providers and municipalities.

Long opening hours included: Fee-free childcare covers up to 10 hours per day. Exact opening hours vary by provider. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania offers some of the longest childcare hours in Germany.

Strong investment in quality: In 2024, the state and municipalities invested €923 million in childcare — the state contributed 54.5% (€503 million). This share will rise to 55.2% in 2025. Funding is supplemented by federal funds (“Quality in Childcare” program).

Long-term financing: Despite fee-free childcare, funding sustainability is debated, especially as federal funding ends in 2025. The state audit office raised concerns about municipal finances — but the state government has confirmed: “Fee-free childcare will continue.”

Child Education and Care Act (KiBiz):
The KiBiz law from August 1, 2008 regulates childcare in NRW.
The state sets the legal framework, while municipalities
as local youth welfare offices are responsible for needs planning and implementation.

Free childcare from age 3:
Since August 2018, children aged 3 until school entry
are exempt from fees in municipal or publicly-funded childcare centers.
For children under 3, or for extended hours,
parents may pay fees depending on income and booked hours,
which vary by municipality.

Invoice from the municipality:
Parents receive invoices from the youth welfare office, not from the facility.
Fees depend on booked hours and household income.
Meal costs (approx. €25–€60/month) and additional services
(e.g., language support, excursions) are billed separately.
Families with low income can receive fee reductions.

Municipal registration + apply directly at centers:
Parents register childcare needs with the municipality
and select up to three preferred facilities.
Then they must apply directly to the selected centers.
Centers decide admission based on their criteria.
There is a legal right to a place from age 1.

Wide range of providers:
Municipal, church-run, private and non-profit institutions.
Parents may choose any facility with available places.
Private providers who receive public funding must follow municipal fee rules.

Opening hours vary by provider:
Typical hours are 07:00–17:00.
Most centers close 20–25 days per year (summer, Christmas, training days).
Booking options: 25, 35 or 45 hours per week.

High coverage, but shortage of places for under-3s:
More than 850,000 children attend about 13,500 facilities in NRW.
Enrollment: 32.2% for under-3s (below national average) and 90% for ages 3–6.
Staff ratios: approx. 1:3.7 in nurseries and 1:8 in kindergartens.
Current shortage: approx. 110,400 places.

Staff shortages despite growth:
Staff numbers have increased by 59% since 2011,
yet 9,000–20,000 additional educators are needed by 2030.
Staff shortages lead to reduced opening hours.
70% of children are in larger-than-recommended groups.
The state invests €3.8 billion per year and plans to strengthen leadership
and pedagogical roles from 2026.

Child and Youth Welfare Act (KJHG) + “Kita Future Act”:
Since 2021, the state’s “Kita-Zukunftsgesetz” complements the federal KJHG.
The state defines the legal framework, while municipalities
(as local youth welfare authorities) plan places and manage implementation.

“Free from age 2”:
Since November 2021, children from age 2 until school entry
receive completely free childcare.
For children under 2, parents pay income-based fees,
regulated uniformly across the state.
The state invests over €600 million per year in early childhood care.

Billed by the municipality:
Invoices are issued by the municipality.
Meal costs — approx. €35/month — are paid separately.
Social waivers and sibling reductions exist.
The state co-finances staffing:
44.7% for municipal providers and 47.2% for independent ones.

Municipal registration + direct application to Kitas:
Parents register childcare needs with the municipality
and select up to three preferred Kitas.
Then, applications are submitted directly to the chosen facilities;
admission decisions lie with the provider.
There is a legal entitlement to a place from age 1.

Diverse provider landscape:
Rhineland-Palatinate has 50.8% municipal providers,
41.7% church-run institutions, and 7.5% independent providers.
There are 2,573 facilities, including 209 family daycare programs.
Parents may choose freely where places are available.

Opening hours set by each provider:
Typically 07:00–17:00.
A more flexible staffing system supports extended hours.
Average annual closure: ~25 days.

High participation, but staffing ratios need improvement:
Around 162,000 children attend ~2,600 facilities.
Participation: 42% of children under 3 and 94% of children 3–6.
Staff ratios: 1:3.7 under age 3 and 1:7.9 age 3–6 —
better than the German average but still above research recommendations.
81% of children under 3 and 75% over 3 are in groups
with less-than-ideal staffing ratios.

Kita Future Act and new staffing calculation model:
Since 2019, staffing is based on the number of places,
not the number of groups — greater transparency.
Kita Pact 2030 aims to improve ratios
and expand family-center services.
State funding continues to increase — +€62 million in 2024.

Saarland Child Education and Care Act (SBEBG)
The SBEBG (revised April 2022) is the main legal framework.
The state sets legal standards, while districts and municipalities
(local youth welfare offices) are responsible for implementation.

Free childcare from age 2
Since August 2021, childcare is fully free from age 2 until school entry.
For children under 2, parents pay income-based fees
determined by municipalities.
Saarland is one of the few German states with nearly universal fee-free care.

Billed by the municipality
Municipalities collect fees and receive state compensation
for the abolition of parental payments.
Meals (30–50 €/month) and optional services are billed separately.
Financial support is available for low-income families.

Municipal registration + direct kindergarten application
Parents register with the municipality and choose
up to three preferred centers.
Afterwards, they apply directly to the selected kindergartens,
and each provider decides admission.
There is a legal right to a place from the child’s first birthday.

Diverse provider landscape
Municipal, church-run, non-profit, and private providers operate in Saarland.
Independent providers receiving state funding must follow municipal fee rules.
Parents may choose any center with availability,
though waiting lists are common.

Long opening hours
Saarland leads nationally in extended hours:
83% of children under 3 and 61% over 3 receive
more than 45 hours of weekly care.
Typical hours: 07:00–17:00
Annual closures: 20–25 days.

High participation, but need for more capacity
Approx. 33,000 children across ~550 centers.
Enrollment: 33.4% under age 3 (rank 10 in Germany)
and 89% ages 3–6.
A shortage of ~6,700 places remains.
Staff ratios: 1:3.8 for under-3s and 1:9.6 in kindergartens.

Funding and quality challenges
Despite investments, 79% of children are in groups
with less favorable staffing ratios.
Chambers recommend increased investment;
capacity gaps are expected to persist until at least 2030.
Discussion is ongoing about expanding fee-free care to under-2s.

Saxony Childcare Act (SächsKitaG):
The SächsKitaG of May 15, 2009 is the central legal framework.
The state defines the rules, while districts and independent cities
handle capacity planning and implementation as local youth welfare offices (Jugendamt).

Free childcare since 2018:
Saxony provides free childcare for children aged 1 until school entry,
regardless of family income.
This applies to all providers — Saxony is one of a few German states
with full fee exemption starting from age 1.

Only food costs:
Parents only pay for meals (around €40/month)
and any optional additional services.
The state funds the fee exemption via municipal subsidies.

Central online registration + direct application to the center:
Parents register their childcare need through municipal online portals
and may select up to three preferred centers.
They then apply directly to the chosen childcare providers,
who decide on admission.
There is a legal entitlement to a place from age 1.

High share of public providers:
Saxony has a large share of public institutions (~56%),
as well as church-run, independent and private providers.
Childminding is also available — approx. 1,400 childminders for 6,000 children.
Parents may freely choose among providers depending on availability.

Opening hours set by each provider:
Typical operating hours: 06:30–17:00.
Closure periods: around 20–25 days per year
(summer holidays, Christmas, training days).
Saxony is among the states with long daily childcare hours.

Highly qualified staff — but challenging staff-to-child ratios:
317,981 children are enrolled in Saxony (62.1% of all children under 14).
In 84% of centers, over 80% of employees have professional qualifications —
second-highest in Germany after Thuringia.
However, 93% of children are in groups with suboptimal staffing ratios
(1:5.3 for under-3s, 1:11.4 for ages 3–6).
Only 2 out of 100 children under age 1 attend formal childcare.

Quality improvements alongside declining child numbers:
A 2024 quality law is gradually improving staffing ratios.
Declining birth rates allow the potential hiring of up to 20,800 additional educators
to improve childcare quality.
The state emphasizes maintaining high qualification standards
while strengthening educational quality.

Child Support Act (KiFöG):
The central legal basis is the Act on the Support and Care of Children
in Daycare Facilities and Family Daycare from March 5, 2003.
The state sets the legal framework, while districts and independent cities
(youth welfare offices) are responsible for needs planning and local implementation.

Sibling exemption rule:
Since January 2019, parents pay fees only for the oldest child in care –
younger siblings in nursery, kindergarten, or after-school care are free.
This rule applies until at least the end of 2026.
Parent fees vary significantly by municipality:
In Magdeburg, 10 hours of nursery care cost €150,
while in the municipality of Wethautal it costs €287 per month.

Billing by the municipality:
Parents receive a monthly invoice directly from the municipality,
not from the provider.
Each municipality sets fees individually.
Parents also pay meal costs directly to the caterer — usually €50–70 per month.
Extra charges may apply for activities such as music or language programs.

Local and regional online portals:
Applications follow each municipality’s own process.
Since 2021, several districts, including Stendal, have introduced
central online portals.
Parents may choose up to three preferred daycare centres.
Placement decisions are made by providers with youth office approval.

Majority public providers:
Of 1,810 childcare centres, 55.8% are public
and 44.2% are run by independent organizations
(welfare organizations such as AWO, Caritas, Diakonie, Paritätischer, Red Cross,
plus church-run and private providers).
Parents may freely choose within available spaces.

Opening hours vary by provider:
Typical hours: 6:00–17:00 on weekdays.
Most centres close up to 15 days in summer
and between Christmas and New Year.
Emergency care may be offered at another centre
if requested at least 8 weeks in advance.

High participation, declining child numbers:
In 2024, 152,143 children attended childcare
(2,749 fewer than the previous year).
Participation rates: 59.2% under age 3 (2nd highest in Germany)
and 98.8% ages 3–6.
Saxony-Anhalt has 1,807 centres and around 20,000 staff.

Staff ratios and rising costs:
Staff ratios: 1:5.5 in nurseries, 1:10.3 in kindergartens.
In 2023, one in six municipalities increased parent fees
by up to €120 per month.
The state plans 255 new full-time positions for centres with higher needs.
Declining child numbers are also leading to staffing reductions
and occasional centre closures.

Childcare Support Act (KiföG SH):
The KiföG SH, in force since March 2020, regulates childcare services in Schleswig-Holstein.
The state sets the legal framework, while districts and independent cities
as local youth welfare authorities are responsible for local planning and implementation.

Free childcare from age 3:
Since August 2019, parents pay no fees for children aged 3 until school entry.
For children under 3 and extended care hours, income-based fees apply
and are set by municipalities.
A sibling reduction applies automatically.

Billing by the municipality:
Municipalities invoice parents and receive state funding
to cover the free childcare hours.
Meal costs (approx. €30/month) are charged separately.
Low-income families can apply for full or partial fee waivers.

KitaPortal-SH and direct application:
Parents can use KitaPortal Schleswig-Holstein to search for childcare facilities
and childminders and to register their childcare need centrally.
After registration, parents must apply directly to the selected childcare providers.
Placement decisions are made by the providers.
There is a legal entitlement to a childcare place from a child’s first birthday.

Diverse provider landscape:
Schleswig-Holstein features municipal, church-run (mainly Protestant),
independent and private providers.
Protestant organizations operate a significant share of facilities.
Parents may choose freely among available places.

Opening hours vary by provider:
Typical opening times are 07:00–17:00.
37 facilities (2%) offer at least 12 hours of care per day.
Holiday closures vary by provider, often totaling 20–25 days per year.

Growing participation among under-3s and strong home-based care:
A total of 119,149 children attend 1,835 childcare facilities.
The participation rate for children under 3 is 38.3% (22,730 children).
Home-based care plays a significant role:
1,844 childminders care for 8,065 children —
around 30% of under-3 childcare (compared to a German average of 15.8%).
777 facilities (42%) offer inclusive care.
The number of children increased by 2,450 (+2.1%).
The state actively promotes home-based care as an equivalent option to centre-based care.

Digitalisation and staffing:
The state is implementing staff support programmes,
including training bonuses, and expanding digital services.
A high share of inclusive centres (42%) reflects a strong focus on inclusion.
Growing demand requires additional qualified staff.

Thuringian Childcare and Early Education Act (ThürKiGaG):
The ThürKiGaG (December 16, 2005) regulates childcare and early education in Thuringia.
The state defines the legal framework, while municipalities and independent cities
act as local youth welfare authorities and are responsible for needs planning and implementation.

Last 2 years before school are free:
Since August 2018, the final two years before school entry
(around age 4+) are free of charge.
Parents pay fees for younger children based on income
and municipal contribution rules.
A third free year is planned for 2027.

Billed by municipalities:
Municipalities invoice parents and receive state funding.
Meals (~€30/month) and additional services are charged separately.
Low-income families can apply for full or partial fee exemption.

Municipal portals + direct applications:
Parents register their childcare needs via municipal portals
and may list up to three preferred centers.
Afterward, applications must be submitted directly to the chosen facilities.
Admission decisions are made by the provider.
Legal entitlement applies from age one.

Diverse provider landscape:
Public, church-affiliated, non-profit, and private providers.
Private providers receiving public funding must follow municipal regulations.
Parents have free choice of provider, subject to availability.

Operating hours vary by provider:
Typical hours: 07:00–17:00.
Annual closure periods of ~20–25 days
(summer + holidays + training).
Thuringia features longer opening hours compared to many western states.

High participation rates, but quality challenges:
86,538 children in 1,351 centers (-3,300 vs. previous year, -3.7%).
Participation: 55% of children under 3 and 95% aged 3–6
(above German average).
18,343 staff, including 1,100 men (1 male per 14 staff members).
89% of centers have 80%+ qualified staff — highest share in Germany.
However, 90% of children are in groups larger than pedagogically recommended.

Opportunity to improve quality by 2030:
Declining child numbers enable better staff-to-child ratios by 2030,
if around 1,700 new educators are hired.
Current ratios: 1 staff per 5.1 babies;
1 staff per 10.3 preschoolers.
Legislative adjustments and workforce expansion needed.