Childcare
If you are bringing your children with you to Germany you should attend to the matter of childcare as soon as possible, and probably look for a places in care centres whilst you are still at home. There are kindergartens available for children between the ages of three and six. However, your children are not obligated to attend. They are usually only open on a morning between approx. 8:00am and midday, and they do not usually serve a midday meal. If you are looking for day care for your child, you should enquire about a day care place (Tagesstättenplatz), either at a day care centre (Kindertagesstätte, Kita) or a day nursery (Ganztagskindergarten). They both provide full-time day care including a midday meal, and they are usually for pre-school children aged three and above. There is currently a serious shortage of childcare places in some towns, especially in day care centres, and you may have to join a waiting list. Therefore it is always better to apply early.
Guide for International Researchers, chapter 10:
Concerning childcare. Read more here (page 125) (2.2 MB)Partly translated by: Dr. Lynda Lich-Knight, ResearchComm Ltd.
