Child care

A nursery school is a place where children under the age of three years can play with children of the same age, under the supervision of trained early childhood educators who help your children learn through play. Age-appropriate meals, naps and outdoor play are all part of these programs. Most of the facilities are flexible about drop-off and pick-up times. Nursery schools are run by private and public agencies as well as churches. A few offer support for non-German-speaking children. Hours vary from institution to institution. Opening at around 8am and closing in the afternoon is common, later hours are rare. Prices vary considerably – depending on the region, the facility and in part on the parents' income. Availability also differs greatly by region, even though there is a legal right to such a child care place.

In Germany, preschools are normally for children between the ages of three and six. More and more, preschools are focusing on satisfying the curiosity of these young children, in addition to providing plenty of opportunities for active play. The preschool day usually begins in the morning and ends either at noon or in the afternoon, depending on the specific facility. Preschools are run by cities, churches, associations and other private entities. As with nursery schools, prices vary widely. Some preschools charge no fees at all, while others may cost several hundred euros per year or more, depending on the parents' income and the region. All children over 3 years of age have a legal right to a preschool place. Read more about preschool options in Germany.

Home daycare providers take care of your child in their home while you go to work or study. In most cases they care for additional children as well, so your child is guaranteed to have contact with peers. Nannies are also an option in Germany. In contrast to home daycare providers, nannies come to your home to care for your child. Home daycare providers and nannies are not required to be trained early childhood educators. However, they need to be certified by the youth welfare office, and most of them have a great deal of experience with children. 

Finding a place in a childcare facility is not easy and the availability differs from town to town. In large cities, there are often not enough childcare facilities and nursery places. Despite this, you can do something towards getting a suitable place in a kindergarten. For example, you can register your child in the neighbouring kindergarten and at the same time in many others a bit further away. This way you can raise your chances of getting accepted in one of the facilities. Another tip is to register your child as early as you can and try to be updated if the kindergartens have a place for your child.

You can find a free place on the varying childcare finders such as www.kita.de and www.kitanetz.de . There is also several regional websites and search engines for private child care, such as www.erstekinderbetreuung.de.

Children in Germany are under educational obligation once they turn six until a child is 16–18 years old. The school day typically starts at 8am and ends at 2pm – but this differs depending on the school type and region. Before and after-school care may need to be arranged for parents who work or attend an integration course.
In Germany, before- and after-school care is called “Schulhort” or “Hort” and is usually only available in primary or secondary school or sometimes in preschool. A “Schulhort” is typically organised by the individual school, and will provide services based on local demand and facilities available. Fees for before or after-school care are reasonable, however this will vary depending on the facilities offered like meals and number of hours.

Refugees’ children are also entitled to child care in a nursery or kindergarten. This applies to people with a suspension of deportation as well. In some regions, however, you must first leave the initial accommodation facility before you can enroll your child. Ask the nursery or kindergarten directly whether there is a place available for your child and have a look at the various facilities.