Funding for language education in daycare centers continues

The funding for language education in Saxon daycare centers will be continued. The cabinet has approved an amendment to the "Guideline for the Improvement of Quality and Participation in Child Daycare 2025/2026". Saxony is thus implementing a decision made by the Bundestag in October. Federal funding of around 18.9 million euros is available for this year and the coming year.

"Language skills are the key to a successful education. That is why it is so important that we start here at an early stage," said Minister of Education Conrad Clemens (CDU). Experience in recent years has shown the inestimable value of language mentors for language teaching by educational professionals in daycare centers.

Language mentors in the districts and cities are a central component of the directive, according to the ministry. Their tasks include providing specialist advice and support as well as arranging further training and qualifications. The funding allows for between 3.5 and 5 full-time positions per youth welfare office. Funding is also provided for substitutes for child day care and the release of pedagogical specialists for practical instruction in daycare centers.

Cuts due to funding cuts

However, there is no longer any funding for measures such as a personnel cost subsidy for in-service training and further education as well as equipment with digital media, as the federal government has focused funding on selected fields of action. The cancellation by the federal government also entails cuts in Saxony, said Clemens.