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Childcare

Kindergartens, Daycare Centers, Nurseries

If you are bringing your children with you to Germany you should look into the question of childcare at the earliest opportunity and probably take steps to find a place for your children while you are still at home.

For children from three to six there are kindergartens. These are voluntary and usually only open in the mornings from about 8 am to midday. As a rule, they do not serve a midday meal.

If you are looking for daycare for your child, you need to enquire about a “Tagesstättenplatz” (daycare place) which would either be at a “Kindertagesstätte” (daycare centre - Kita) or a Ganztagskindergarten” (full-day kindergarten). They both provide daycare including a midday meal, usually for pre-school children from three onwards.

In some towns there is a serious lack of childcare places, especially in daycare centers, and you may have to join a waiting list.
Children under three are cared for at nurseries which often also offer daycare including a midday meal. However, in many towns there is a severe shortage of places. So, once again: try to organize childcare at the earliest opportunity.

The costs of childcare vary according to the services provided (midday meal, children under three etc.).Furthermore, in state facilities they are income-related.

Childminders

Childminders, in German “Tagesmütter” or “Tagesväter” (day mothers or day fathers), provide individualized care and have more flexible hours. They usually look after several children at a time in their own homes. Childminders are trained and must have an official “Pflegeerlaubnis” (license) from the local “Jugendamt” (child and youth welfare services). You can find the names of childminders in small ads in the newspaper or ask the child and youth welfare services.
The best way of finding babysitters to look after your children for a few hours during the day or in the evenings, is to ask colleagues or neighbors.

Insider Info: Visit the following website for information about parent-child activities and childcare programs during the holidays offered by Philipps-Universität Marburg: https://www.uni-marburg.de/familienservice/allgemeine-infos/ferienbetreuung

Measles Protection

Please note: The Measles Protection Act will enter into force on 1 March 2020. Before being accepted into child daycare facilities, schools or other community facilities, all children who are at least one year old must prove that they have received the measles vaccine recommended by the Standing Committee on Vaccination (Source: Federal Ministry of Health). Please contact a pediatrist, if the vaccination took place abroad.

Further information: Federal Ministry of Health