As the summer holidays wane in northern Germany and the back-to-school season approaches, many parents are facing increased anxiety over securing quality childcare. 1. August marks the beginning of the new Kita calendar year, and unfortunately, an alarming report reveals a shortage of 1,400 daycare spots right here in Bremen. This challenge isn’t unique to our city; it reflects a nationwide problem affecting countless families across Germany.
Even before joining the team at Local Worldwide Relocation, I was one of those parents feeling the strain of this childcare deficit. I’ve witnessed firsthand how stressful it can be for families to secure adequate care for their children, which is essential for their language skills, emotional growth, and social interaction.
If you’re one of the many families using the summer months to relocate — perhaps to ensure your older kids can transition smoothly to a new school without disrupting their education — the Local Worldwide Relocation team understands the hurdles that can arise, especially concerning daycare arrangements. Let our expert team at Local Worldwide Relocation leverage our extensive network and deep knowledge of the Kita application process to help secure a spot for your family today.
Did you know that across Germany, an estimated 430,000 daycare spots are currently lacking? Surprisingly, almost 300,000 children under the age of two are directly affected. One of the contributing factors to this shortage is the deficit of approximately 125,000 daycare professionals, which exacerbates the challenge of finding care.
According to RND, the western states —those that were part of the Federal Republic of Germany prior to reunification in 1990 — are the most severely affected. Nordrhein-Westfalen leads the way with a staggering shortfall of 110,000 spots, followed by Bayern with around 70,000 and Baden-Württemberg with approximately 60,000. The capital, Berlin, is not far behind, facing a deficit of about 44,700 spots.
For those unfamiliar with the German daycare system, it’s structured into age-based categories. The terminology might sound a bit different as you won’t encounter the word “school” here — instead, the focus is on play-based learning. Programs for children under three are known as Krippe, which translates to “crib” in German while Kindergarten caters to kids who will turn three within the calendar year, extending up until six years of age. It’s important to remember that during the year a child turns six or at the latest by the age of 7, they are required to begin school, making securing a spot in a Kita crucial for their early development.
At Local Worldwide Relocation, we have successfully assisted many families, whether they’re newcomers to Germany needing urgent enrollment or those navigating the complex application process to obtain a Kita spot. Our dedicated team is ready to help you and your family overcome these challenges and ensure a seamless transition into your new life.
Ready to secure your child’s bright future? Contact us today and let us simplify your childcare journey, so you can focus on what really matters — spending quality time with your loved ones as you embark on this exciting new adventure in Germany!