Daycare in Lower Saxony
Enrolment, costs, parental fees and care hours: the rules for Lower Saxony at a glance. Details are often set by the municipality; the place search in the Kita wiki takes you there.
Enrolment and place allocation
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.
Costs
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.
Billing and parental fees
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.
Care hours and closures
Opening hours set by each provider:
Each childcare provider defines its own schedule.
The NKiTaG aims to increase flexibility and improve quality.
Childcare options
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.
Legal framework
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.
Further notes
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.