Childcare

Children three years and older are legally entitled to a place in a kindergarten (but not in a specific one). Especially all-day kindergartens and those offering extended opening hours and lunch might have a waiting list.

Each individual kindergarten observes its own vacation periods. Kindergartens are usually closed for one to four weeks in summer, one to two weeks for Christmas, on

additional days around Easter and Pentecost, and on those set aside for planning.

General information

• Kindergarten is for children aged three to six. Most kindergarten groups comprise a range of ages.

• Some kindergartens take care of children as young as two years.

• Group size: approximately 20 – 25 children with two caregivers (for children older than three; this ratio is different in the case of younger children and integrative kindergartens).

• Kindergarten costs are based on the amount of care time provided, amounting to approximately €70 per month for the average kindergarten (mornings and two hours in the afternoons; lunch not provided). The costs depend on the community in which you live. They are sometimes figured according to income (at private organizations in particular). In the federal state of Rheinland-Pfalz, Kindergarten is free of charge. For a fulltime Kindergarten you might have to pay as much as €250 per month or more. The costs can be deducted from your taxes at the end of the year.

• A doctor’s certificate is required for admission to a kindergarten.

• Your child should be registered at a kindergarten by the end of March at the latest in the year it turns three. Registration forms are available at your local city hall or at any kindergarten.

For more information, please contact welcome@family-in-germany.de