Daycare in Berlin
Enrolment, costs, parental fees and care hours: the rules for Berlin at a glance. Details are often set by the municipality; the place search in the Kita wiki takes you there.
Enrolment and place allocation
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.
Costs
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.
Billing and parental fees
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.
Care hours and closures
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.
Childcare options
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.
Legal framework
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.
Further notes
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.