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