Stadtküken

In Germany, every child from their first birthday has a legal right to early childhood care – initially for 5 hours daily including lunch. Many children start in a crèche (care for under-3s) at around 1 year old. Some facilities also accept younger children from approx. 6–12 months in exceptional cases, but the legal right generally applies from 12 months. From 3 years old, children move to kindergarten (elementary area) until school entry, usually at 6 years old.

Yes, every child in Germany has a legal right to early childhood education in a daycare facility or day care from the completed first year of life (§ 24 SGB VIII). This right applies regardless of whether the parents work or not. The municipality is obliged to provide sufficient places. In practice, however, it is advisable to apply for a place early, as demand often exceeds supply in many places. Especially if you have a preferred daycare center, it is advisable to plan in good time.

In Hamburg, the financing of childcare is regulated by the Kita voucher system. Parents apply for a Kita voucher at the youth welfare office of their district (now conveniently possible online) and specify the desired scope of care. The voucher determines for how many hours per day care is approved – you can choose 5, 6, 8, 10 or 12 hours daily. 5 hours daily are generally free of charge for all children from 1 year old (including lunch). For a higher need, the city continues to cover a large part of the costs, but parents then pay an income-dependent co-payment for the additional hours. This parental contribution is socially staggered and capped – e.g., full-day care of 10–12 hours costs a maximum of around €204 per month for high earners, correspondingly less for lower incomes. Families with very low incomes or state benefits are completely exempt from fees.

To get a place in a Stadtküken Kita, parents should submit a place inquiry via the website early. On www.stadtkueken.de, there is an online form “Request a Kita place” where you can enter the desired location and start date. The central administration reviews the request and gets in touch as soon as a suitable place is available. Usually, an appointment for a personal meeting and a visit to the Kita is then arranged. Parents and child can view the premises and meet the management and team in person. If everything fits for both sides and a place is available, the care contract is concluded and the child can be settled in on the agreed date. Important: Since demand is high, it is worth inquiring early and possibly being flexible with the location or start date.

Thanks to Hamburg's Kita voucher system, the childcare costs in our Stadtküken Kitas are socially acceptable. A care period of five hours daily is generally free of charge for parents. For longer care periods (6, 8, 10 or 12 hours a day), an income-dependent parental contribution is due, which is capped – a maximum of approx. €204 per month for a full-day place. Families with low incomes (or who receive state benefits) are exempt from this parental contribution.