Pre-school education and care in Germany
In Germany, pre-school respectively early childhood care and education in institutions is not compulsory but services and public funding have been expanded in recent years. As of 2021, more than 90% of children are enrolled in kindergarten or KiTa, the childcare facilities, or the under-three attend nurseries and visit registered childminders. Services have also been professionalised – the quality of early childcare and professionalisation of staff are now also being focused. Early childcare is especially important for families with an immigrant background and nowadays multilingualism is recognised as a valid asset to learning.
National sources on early childhood education and care
The Education System in the Federal Republic of Germany: Early childhood education and care 
The excerpt is part of a national dossier published by the Secretariat of the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany, with a description of responsibilities, structures and developments in education policy for the exchange of information in Europe. This chapter focuses on pre-primary education (early childhood education and [...]
document from: Ständige Konferenz der Kultusminister der Länder in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland (KMK)
Early childhood workforce profiles across Europe
SEEPRO-3 assessed ECEC work profiles for 33 mostly European countries focusing on professionalisation and the complete publication of the SEEPRO-3 study can be accessed under the following link: Complete publication (28 MB)
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Parental Allowance and Parental Leave - brochure for download
This brochure informs you in detail and in a citizen-friendly language about the legal regulations on Parental Allowance, Parental Allowance Plus and parental leave. You will also find clear examples and helpful tips to make your individual planning easier.
document from: Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend
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Country profile Germany: European Platform for Investing in Children (EPIC)
Information about family policy, childcare benefits, parental support in Germany, listing objectives and funding. Links to important sources - EPIC is used to collect and disseminate information regarding family-related policy and support measures in member states of the European Union, aiming to foster the participation of parents in the labour market and in economic growth.
Country profile Germany: European Platform for Investing in Children (EPIC): Read more
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Early Opportunities: portal for early childhood services in Germany
This portal is part of the services offered by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth in Germany. It targets professionals in early childcare as well as parents and informs about policies and support for young children, e.g. legislation on good daycare facilities, facts and figures.
document from: Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend
Early Opportunities: portal for early childhood services in Germany: Read more
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Growing up with media the right way!
The leporello of the initiative “SCHAU HIN! Was dein Kind mit Medien macht“ (LOOK! How your child uses media) provides parents with everyday tips on the media usage of their childs. Parents can help their children learn how to use media – with joy but without any danger. “SCHAU HIN!“ is a joint initiative by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and [...]
The Early Childhood, education and care system in Germany
Information about the early childhood education and care system in Germany, recent developments and quality assurance.
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National Educational Panel Study (Germany)
In modern knowledge societies, education has become the key factor not only for economic growth and prosperity but also for a successful private life. The National Educational Panel Study (NEPS) has been set up to find out more about how education is acquired, to see how it impacts on individual biographies, and to describe and analyze the major educational processes and trajectories across the life span. Some [...]
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Guaranteed daycare for under-threes starts in Germany
The article outlines the right of children under the age of three to a daycare placement (as of August 2013), the simultaneous introduction of subsidiary payment for parents who care for their children at home, lack of places in big cities, lack of qualified personnel.
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Your children's rights
In 2022, the brochure wwas published to inform children about their rights in a child-friendly manner. The brochure is available for download in English.
document from: Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend
Barcelona objectives: The development of childcare facilities for young children in Europe with a view to sustainable and inclusive growth
Report from the European Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. - The so-called Barcelona targets, agreed by EU leaders in 2002, say that childcare should be provided for 90% of children between three years old and the mandatory school age, and for 33% of children under three. The aim of this document is to report on [...]
