The Local Germany

All children in Germany should return to school in March, state ministers agree

Fri, 05 Mar 2021 18:31:22 +0100

State education ministers in all 16 states of Germany have agreed that children of all ages should start attending school again this month.

When (and how) will Germany's schools and Kitas reopen?

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 16:50:50 +0100

Some schools and Kitas (daycare) centres around Germany are set to open in early February, whereas others are playing it by ear based on the infection situation.

How can Germany improve its Kitas amid teacher shortage?

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 14:26:36 +0200

Many Kitas around Germany are experiencing severe staff shortages, according to a new educational study by Germany's Bertelmann Stiftung. What can be done to improve quality?

'Premature plan': Row on opening schools and Kitas intensifies in Germany

Fri, 29 May 2020 13:37:07 +0200

Schools and Kitas around Germany have been reopening - but a row has broken out over both the speed and strictness at which they're doing so.

State by state: When are schools and Kitas around Germany reopening?

Fri, 29 May 2020 11:32:28 +0200

It's a moment many parents around Germany have been waiting for. All schools and Kitas (day-care centres) around Germany are reopening, albeit with restrictions.

When and how will Germany's daycare centres reopen?

Wed, 06 May 2020 19:45:34 +0200

Daycare centres (or Kitas) around Germany have only offered emergency care during the corona crisis, but that's set to change soon.

Kitas: Berlin mother awarded €7,500 for lack of childcare spot

Wed, 22 Jan 2020 11:23:09 +0100

A working mother of an infant who couldn’t return to her job due to a lack of Kita (childcare) spots has been awarded for 'larger damages' by the Berlin Regional Court.

How to receive money for private childcare in Berlin if you can't find a Kita spot

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 13:49:34 +0200

Throughout Germany there is a shortage of Kita, or childcare, spots. But a new Berlin programme is giving parents who can't secure a spot reimbursement for private care. Here's what you need to know.

Why did two Leipzig kitas' 'pork free' menus spark a nationwide row?

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 15:05:53 +0200

A nationwide uproar was sparked this week after two eastern German kindergartens introduced a "pork-free" menu.

Thousands of families affected as Berlin Kitas set for strike

Mon, 28 Jan 2019 12:42:38 +0100

Nursery teachers are set to walk out on Tuesday, after a strike was called by the German Education Union (GEW) over a pay dispute. It came as negotiations started for employees of Berlin public transport operator BVG, which could also result in industrial action.

Free for all? How Germany plans to tackle its childcare problem

Mon, 28 May 2018 13:49:16 +0200

Studies show that, not only do parents pay radically different prices for childcare across Germany, the poorest are also hit hardest. Will plans to completely cut charges solve the problem?

What to know about the different types of schools as an expat parent in Germany

Thu, 24 May 2018 17:46:44 +0200

Whether you're looking to fully integrate your children into the German education system, keep them in an international environment, or perhaps a bit of both, we spoke to expat parents in Deutschland to discover how they went about choosing a school for their kids.

German parents want more state support

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 09:09:00 +0200

German parents are unhappy with family support on offer from the government, according to a new study. Most said they wanted more day care places and help balancing work and caring for children.

'Language doesn't matter - kids are all the same'

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 17:05:00 +0100

In the first instalment of our new series My German Career, The Local sat down with Potsdam kindergarten teacher Chelsey Funk for a chat about tending Teutonic toddlers.

Can 'elite' Kitas fill Germany's day-care gap?

Mon, 23 May 2011 18:13:00 +0200

As Germany struggles to expand public day care, the market for private Kitas has boomed in recent years. Chris Cottrell takes a look at the controversial phenomenon of the “elite” crèche.

Study finds high concentration of chemicals at kindergartens

Tue, 22 Mar 2011 12:13:00 +0100

Many German kindergartens have three times the level of dangerous chemicals than an average household, posing serious health risks to children, a study released on Tuesday revealed.

Kindergartens told to pay up before singing

Tue, 28 Dec 2010 13:05:00 +0100

A group representing German musicians found itself accused of Scrooge-like meanness on Tuesday after pressing kindergartens to pay up for singing songs that are protected by copyright.

Leaving your children in the woods – on purpose

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:36:00 +0200

Most parents would agree spending time outdoors is good for small kids, but would you send your child to a kindergarten deep in the forest? Rhea Wessel reports from the Taunus woods near Frankfurt.

Pre-school teachers go back on strike as day-care wage talks fail

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 10:59:00 +0200

Widespread day care strikes hit several German states on Tuesday, as pre-school teachers returned to the picket lines to press their ongoing labour dispute.

Day care strike spreads to eastern states ahead of negotiations

Tue, 26 May 2009 11:03:00 +0200

An ongoing strike by day care workers expanded to states in eastern Germany for the first time on Tuesday in an attempt to increase pressure on public employers to provide better working conditions and wages.