Association warns of loss of quality in daycare centers in Saxony

In the midst of budget negotiations in Saxony, the Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband warns of an impending loss of quality in child daycare. The gap between legal requirements and reality has existed for years, said education officer Nicole Lawrenz.

The law stipulates that one specialist can look after a maximum of five children in a crèche and a maximum of twelve in a kindergarten. However, absences due to illness or vacation often make these requirements unrealistic. According to Lawrenz, the funds provided in the double budget are also not sufficient to counteract the pressure in daycare centers.

Fewer children, but also fewer specialists

According to figures from the State Statistical Office, the number of births in Bavaria is falling continuously. With considerable consequences: "According to our forecast, we would very likely lose 4,000 skilled workers from the system by 2030," emphasized Lawrenz. The falling number of children is actually an opportunity to improve quality, but is not being used.

The planned double budget provides for an increase in the state subsidy per daycare place, which would amount to around 55 euros according to a calculation by the association. This corresponds to around two additional hours of specialist staff per week and facility - in the view of the Paritätische, just "a drop in the ocean".

Overworked teams and rising parental contributions

In practice, there have been reports of staff exhaustion and limited services. Many teams reach their limits, especially during core time. "We regularly find ourselves in a predicament," said Jana Nonne from the Association of Social Pedagogical Projects. Christina Reißmann from the "Startblock" association also spoke of increasing own contributions and decreasing childcare times. Many parents were cutting hours in the face of higher costs - with direct consequences for staff and quality.

An appeal to politicians

The Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband is therefore calling for a fundamental reform of funding as well as targeted investment in quality and infrastructure. Early childhood education is an investment in the future and must be treated on an equal footing with school education, the association emphasized.