Daycare in Schleswig-Holstein

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.