In the future, all children in Germany should receive the same high-quality education in day-care centers nationwide. “We all know how important the first years are when it comes to children’s development,” said Family Minister Lisa Paus (Greens).
“All children in the country, no matter where they live, no matter where their parents come from, whether they come from a wealthy or a poor family, should have the same opportunities for a high-quality early childhood education.”
One of the focal points: recruiting skilled workers
In total, the federal government is making around four billion euros available for this over the next two years. The 16 federal states must invest these funds primarily in the fields of action that are of particular importance for quality development. This means, among other things, improving the skilled worker-child ratio, recruiting skilled workers or strengthening day-care center management.
“Federal funds should flow into daycare quality because we still have big differences in Germany,” said Paus. “For many years we have invested in the expansion of daycare centers, especially in buildings. Now we are entering the next phase.” It’s not just about children being taken care of, but about early childhood development in day-care centers.
According to the minister, the federal states want to invest around 80 percent of the funds in quality development in the future. Before it was a third. Brandenburg, for example, wants to invest in more time for the instruction of trainees.
Where to save
Savings are now being made in the federal states instead, among other things, in the contribution relief for parents. “It is firmly established that children from poor families still have access, of course, and that no fees are then charged,” said Paus. “Originally, we had wished even more that the law would also include a corresponding staggering of income.” But the countries have very different goals. According to the Ministry of Family Affairs, only six states are now using the federal funds to reduce contributions.
