Daycare in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.”