Child day care

In Germany, all children have a right to care in a child care facility (Kita) from their first birthday. The following care options are available:

Creche (Kinderkrippe) (one to three years old),
Kindergarten (one to six years old, though sometimes only from three years old) or
Care in small groups by an individual day care provider

At day care, your children come into contact with other children, find friends and learn the German language. Even if you are not currently working, you can place your child in a child day care facility.

To place your child in a day care facility, in most states you are required to pay a fee.

You can also get advice via chat or at an MBE (Migrationsberatung [Immigration counselling]) office. Family counselling agencies can also provide information about child day care.

How do I find a place at a day care for my child?

The best way to find a place at a child care facility is with the help of the youth welfare office (Jugendamt), a family counselling office or via an online platform in your region. If you already know of child care facilities, you can also directly inquire if they have any openings.

Sometimes there may be very few openings in the child care facilities because of the large number of parents who are interested. The best thing is to try to find out as early as possible – even during your pregnancy – whether there are any openings.

External Links

Family portal, child care

Care places in Baden-Wuerttemberg

Care places in Bavaria

Care places in North Rhine-Westphalia

What is the monthly fee for my child's day care?

The amount of the monthly depends on various factors: Your state, your monthly family net income and the length of care (half-day or whole-day). If you have a very low income, the youth welfare office (Jugendamt) will partially or completely cover the costs.

In Baden-Wuerttemberg, the fee for a child day care spot averages approx. 6.7% of family net income. You can find out the exact amount at the youth welfare office for your area.

In Bavaria, the fee for a child day care spot averages approx. 6.1% of family net income. You can find out the exact amount at the youth welfare office for your area.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, the fee for a child day care spot averages approx. 6.4% of family net income. You can find out the exact amount at the youth welfare office for your area.

Can I get a place for my child even if I am still waiting for the decision on my asylum application?

As a rule, everyone regularly residing in Germany can place their children in a child day care facility. Refugees and asylum applicants therefore also have a right to a spot at a Kita.

Sometimes there may be very few openings in the child care facilities because of the large number of parents who are interested. The best thing is to try to find out as early as possible – even during your pregnancy – whether there are any openings.

You can also get advice via chat or at an MBE (Migrationsberatung [Immigration counselling]) office. Family counselling agencies can also provide information about child day care.