Why is daycare good for my child?
Children need friends
In daycare, my child plays with other children.
She can find friends.
Children learn in daycare
My child learns lots of new things.
She learns and practices German for school.
Children learn how to behave well
My child learns with the group.
She learns to share and follow rules.
Daycare makes them bold
My child learns to be independent.
She can spend time without her parents for a while.
Children stay healthy
In daycare, the food is healthy.
The children play lots of sports.
Parents can give specific nutrition guidelines for their child.
Daycare helps families
Parents do not have to do everything on their own.
Daycare helps with parenting.
The daycare will listen to what parents say.
What are my rights?
Every child has a right to a place in day care from the age of one.
Five hours a day and lunch are free.
The child can also attend day care if the parents are working or attending a course.
Each day for up to 12 hours. Even if the child is only a few weeks old.
Examples of courses include:
- integration programmes
- integration courses
- language courses
Children with disabilities can also attend day care. Many day care centres offer special support for children with disabilities.
How much does day care cost?
Five hours a day and lunch are free.
But I have to pay if I want more than five hours per day.
Low earners or those who have no income pay little or nothing. Those who earn a lot pay more.
The district office may grant exceptions in cases of particular hardship
How do I get a place in day care?
About one year before starting day care: research your day care options.
For example:
Ask your friends, relatives or day care centres, and anywhere families can find help. Or go online: www.hamburg.de/go/kita
Ask at day care centres if they have any free places.
Get on the waiting list.
Ask: does my child have a place?
Three to six months before starting day care: compare offers and decide.
Apply for a day care voucher at the district office or online.
The day care voucher will arrive by mail.
Give the day care voucher to the day care centre.
The voucher for five hours of care is valid until the child starts school.
All other day care vouchers are valid for a maximum of one year.
Important: I have to reapply for the day care voucher before it expires.
If I don’t have a day care voucher, I’ll have to pay myself.
Clarify any questions you may have and draw up a contract with the day care centre.
I can get the application and assistance:
- at the District Office – Child Day Care Department
- online: www.hamburg.de/antraege or www.hamburg.de/go/kita-gutschein
- or via Stadtteileltern: www.hamburg.de/go/stadtteileltern
