Childcare costs vary by state and by facility

Daycare 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 daycare fees are noticeably 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 usually more expensive than municipal facilities.

Sibling discount:

For siblings in a daycare, the spot 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 year of kindergarten is even free.

No daycare fees:

In some cities like Koblenz, Ludwigshafen and Trier, as well as throughout Rhineland-Palatinate, parents do not pay any kindergarten fees at all.

Relief:

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

Daycare costs are tax-deductible:

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

How are daycare fees composed?

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

In general, daycare costs consist of personnel costs, material costs - for example for toys, consumables, furnishings - as well as operating costs. The share of these costs that parents cover 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 hours of care at the daycare also play a role in determining the monthly costs. The operator of the daycare is also crucial: while facilities run by municipal or non-profit operators usually apply an income-based scale, private operators often charge a fixed amount. If privately run kindergartens have a special educational concept, this is usually reflected in higher daycare fees because the educators have completed special training or because special play and work equipment is purchased.

What additional costs for the daycare can I expect?

Meal fees:

If your child eats lunch at the daycare, a monthly flat fee will likely be charged in addition to the kindergarten fees. The costs range depending on the daycare between 1,50 and 4 euros per lunch, also depending on whether the meal is prepared on site or delivered. As a rule, the meal fee is paid monthly in cash directly to the daycare, since the amounts vary according to the number of days and/or the children's absences.

Clothing:

Most parents buy an extra set of rainwear and a second pair of rubber boots for their children, which stay at the kindergarten. This way nothing is forgotten at home or at the daycare and wet items can conveniently dry at the daycare until the next day. Nonetheless, additional clothing costs arise, because depending on how quickly your child grows, a new purchase is required 1–2 times a year.

Activities:

For excursions, craft activities or other activities, additional costs may be incurred, for example for train fares,craft materials etc. Many municipal kindergartens set up a support association to build reserves for such activities. In other facilities, on the other hand, the parents bear the costs.

Other:

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

Image credits:

Binder labeled 'parental contribution notice' is lying on a table © PhotographyByMK - stock.adobe.com

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

On a slate board, 'daycare' is written in colorful chalk © M.Dörr & M.Frommherz - stock.adobe.com