Kindergarten costs vary by state and by facility

Kindergarten fees differ not only from state to state, but also from city to city and from facility to facility. A few basic facts:

The north pays more:

In southern Germany kindergarten fees are significantly lower than in the north. On average, parents in Hamburg pay about twice as much for a half-day place as in Stuttgart or Munich.

Private kindergartens:

Private kindergartens, e.g. Waldorf or Montessori kindergartens, are generally more expensive than municipal facilities.

Sibling discount:

For siblings in a kindergarten, the place for the second child often costs 25–30% less - the so-called "sibling discount".

Preschool children free of charge:

In many southern and central German towns and municipalities, the final kindergarten year is even free.

No kindergarten fees:

In some cities such as Koblenz, Ludwigshafen and Trier, as well as throughout Rhineland-Palatinate, parents pay no kindergarten fees at all.

Relief:

Low earners and recipients of unemployment benefits I and II can apply to the youth welfare office for coverage or a reduction of kindergarten fees.

Kindergarten costs are tax-deductible:

Both parents can jointly claim up to two-thirds of the annual childcare costs for tax purposes.

What do kindergarten fees consist of?

Why is school free but kindergarten is not? For many parents it's hard to understand that they have to pay sometimes substantial fees for kindergarten care and that these costs vary greatly by region and by facility. Daycare centers, like schools, receive government funding. However, this funding varies in amount depending on the state and municipality. Parents therefore pay the difference for the ongoing costs of the kindergarten. This leads to the situation that in many relatively affluent regions kindergarten fees are very low, while in economically disadvantaged towns parents are asked to pay extra.

In general, kindergarten costs consist of personnel costs, material costs — for example for toys, consumables, furnishings — and operating costs. The share of these costs borne by parents depends not only on the subsidies provided by the municipality, but usually also on the parents' income. The number of children or household size and the care hours in the kindergarten also play a role in the amount of the monthly costs. The provider of the kindergarten is also decisive: while facilities run by municipal or non-profit providers usually use an income-based scale, private providers often demand a fixed fee. If privately run kindergartens have a special educational concept, this usually results in higher fees because the educators have completed special training or because special play and work equipment has been purchased.

What other costs for the kindergarten can I expect?

Meal fees:

If your child eats lunch at the kindergarten, a monthly flat rate will probably be charged in addition to the kindergarten fees. Costs range depending on the kindergarten between €1.50 and €4 per meal, also depending on whether the food is prepared on site or delivered. As a rule, the meal fee is paid monthly in cash directly to the kindergarten, because the amounts vary according to the number of days and/or the children's absences.

Clothing:

Most parents buy an extra set of rain gear and a second pair of rubber boots for their children that always stay at the kindergarten. This way nothing is forgotten at home or at the kindergarten and wet items can conveniently dry there until the next day. Nevertheless, additional clothing costs occur, because depending on how quickly your child grows, a new purchase is necessary 1–2 times a year.

Activities:

Additional costs may be incurred for excursions, craft activities or other activities, for example for train rides,craft materials etc. Many municipal kindergartens form a support association to build reserves for such activities. In other institutions, parents in turn bear the costs.

Other:

Good contact between parents and educators is highly valued in most facilities. Money is often collected to give the educators a gift for a birthday or work anniversary, or to finance a special toy.

Image credits:

Folder labeled parents' fee notice on a table © PhotographyByMK - stock.adobe.com

Nursery children sit with a caregiver on the floor and paint © Krakenimages.com - stock.adobe.com

The word daycare is written on a slate board in colorful chalk © M.Dörr & M.Frommherz - stock.adobe.com