Enroll a child in daycare

Information about the day-care centres or childcare centres available in your municipality (locations/registration procedures/concepts) can be obtained from the local municipal or city administration or the local youth welfare office.

Parents should contact the responsible office in good time to find out whether and which free childcare places are available and how to register.

Personal contact or getting to know each other personally between you, your child and the day-care centre is usually offered before registration.

The places in the day-care centres are usually allocated for the new kindergarten year (01.08. of a year). . Places for the new kindergarten year are often allocated in the spring of each year. Other times for registration and admission are also possible.

• Certificate of medical examination and medical vaccination consultation

Children from the age of one:

• Proof of measles protection: vaccination card or medical certificate
• Certificate of employment, if applicable
• If applicable, self-declaration to determine the fees

The competent authority may request further documents.

Costs (fees, expenses, etc.): variable

From the first day of the month in which they reach the age of three until they start school, children are entitled to free support in a day-care centre for up to eight hours a day).

In addition, cost contributions can be set by the respective sponsors / municipalities on a staggered basis. The cost contribution may depend, among other things, on

• from the income of the parents,
• the number of children in a family,
• from the childcare time.

The cost contribution can be waived if you have a low income.

If you cannot afford to have your child cared for in a day care facility or by a childcare provider due to your financial circumstances, you can contact your youth welfare office. Depending on the individual case, you can apply there for a partial or full refund of the parental contributions.

• Contact the municipality or the local youth welfare office to find out about childcare options in your area.
• Get in touch with the management of the desired facility or the childcare provider.
• Inquire about the childcare hours, the conceptual focus, the cost of care, the offer of a meal, etc.
• Clarify the exact registration procedure and the registration deadlines on site.
• Find out if you can enroll your child in multiple facilities.
• You will receive a medical examination form from the institution you choose (or from its sponsor). Have it completed by the examining physician. The medical certificate should confirm that there are no objections to visiting the facility.
• Prior to admission, a supervision contract will be concluded with you. It contains legal agreements, for example on daily childcare hours, childcare costs and notice periods.
• Note: In the case of children with a disability, it is advisable to contact the institution and its sponsor to clarify any additional support that may be required.

The local authorities may stipulate that a child's entitlement to support in a day-care centre or day-care centre must be asserted within a specified period of not more than three months. Special cases of hardship are excluded from this.

• Lower Saxony Education Portal: Early Childhood Education
• Brochure "My child in day care"
• The brochure is available for download in several languages from the Lower Saxony Education Portal or can be ordered from the Lower Saxony Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs

• Lower Saxony Act on Child Day Care and Child Day Care (NKiTaG)
• Federal Child and Youth Welfare Act (SGB VIII)

Complaint