Childcare — Nanny, Afterschool Care and Costs

Childcare Options in Germany

Tagesmutter / Tagesvater (Kindertagespflege)

• Care in small group (max. 5 children) with a qualified person at home
• For children aged 0–3 years (sometimes up to 6)
• Flexible hours, personalized care
• Costs: 0–600 €/month (depending on city and income)
• Arranged and subsidized by the youth office (Jugendamt)

Kindergarten (Kindertageseinrichtung)

• Legal right to a place from age 1 year
• Full-day (7:00–17:00) or half-day care
• Costs vary widely: 0–700 €/month
• Free of charge in some states (e.g., Berlin, Hamburg for final kindergarten years)

Hort (Schulkindbetreuung)

• For school-age children (6–10 years)
• Afterschool care (approx. 13:00–17:00)
• Lunch, homework help, activities
• Costs: approx. 50–259 €/month

Full-Day School (Ganztagsschule)

• School with afternoon program (until 16:00–17:00)
• Often free of charge (lunch only approx. 3–5 €/day)
• Not available at all schools

Costs & Subsidies

Who Pays Less?

• Bürgergeld recipients: Childcare fees covered completely
• Low-income earners: Cost coverage through youth office possible (§ 90 SGB VIII)
• BuT benefits: Lunch in kindergarten/aftercare subsidized
• Sibling discount: Many cities charge less for second child

Application for Cost Coverage

1. Submit application to Jugendamt
2. Provide proof of income
3. Approval usually valid for 12 months

Tips

• Register your child early (waiting lists!)
• Tagesmutter as alternative if kindergarten place unavailable
• Employers can provide childcare subsidy (tax-free up to 600 €/year)