Cabinet launches law to improve quality of kit
The federal government plans to invest an additional four billion euros in the next two years to improve the quality of childcare. The focus will be on attracting and retaining skilled professionals, maintaining a good staff-to-child ratio, and promoting language development. However, one aspect is not addressed.
The federal government is providing the states with a total of four billion euros in 2025 and 2026 to improve the quality of childcare. The federal cabinet decided on Tuesday to further develop the so-called Kita Quality Act, as announced by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs in the morning. Previously, the "Stuttgarter Nachrichten" and "Stuttgarter Zeitung" had reported on this. The law is set to come into force on 1 January 2025, provided the Bundestag gives its approval.
Family Minister Lisa Paus emphasized that, despite tight budgets, it has been possible to provide around four billion euros for childcare again for the coming two years, as was the case for 2023 and 2024. "This is a strong signal for better childcare quality in Germany," said the Green politician.
The law defines seven areas of action for improving quality, including attracting and retaining skilled professionals, a needs-based offer, a good staff-to-child ratio, and promoting language education. Three areas of action have been dropped, so the money cannot be used to improve spatial design.
Unlike the coalition agreement, the law does not set nationwide standards for childcare. Nevertheless, the ministry stressed that the equalization of childcare quality in Germany will continue to accelerate. The law is "an interim step towards the development of national education standards in coordination with the states, as soon as the conditions are met."
The investment of four billion euros by the federal government will significantly enhance childcare facilities across Germany. The funding will primarily focus on improving the workforce, ensuring a good staff-to-child ratio, and promoting language development in these facilities.
