The Association of Cities warned on Wednesday that without long-term financial security and measures to combat the shortage of staff, the expansion plans for kindergartens are at risk. In a press release, it referred to a recent study commissioned by the Center for Administrative Research (KDZ), according to which at least seven billion euros extra would be needed by 2030 to meet the increasing demands.
The previous expansion of childcare places has only been possible thanks to increased subsidies from cities and municipalities, which have tripled between 2007 and 2022. Recently, however, the financial framework conditions of the municipalities have deteriorated significantly: general tax revenues have shrunk significantly due to the municipalities’ co-financing obligations for social and health services and tax reforms, and the municipalities therefore have less and less money left to finance elementary education.
Resources are not sufficient
The additional funds from the new future fund in the financial equalization system are indeed an important contribution to financing the ongoing operations in elementary education, KDZ study author Karoline Mitterer was quoted as saying. However, the funds are not enough for the expansion that is still necessary. In addition, the lack of staff is slowing down the expansion. “Without increased measures to recruit and train skilled workers, there is a risk of stagnation,” the press release said. The Association of Cities is therefore calling on the federal and state governments to launch a personnel offensive to make the profession more attractive – also for men – and to create more training places, especially at colleges. The cities would also need more funds for language training, and the cities and municipalities should not be left alone with the rapidly increasing costs for children with special needs.
Thomas Weninger, Secretary General of the Association of German Cities, stressed that cities and municipalities have demonstrated their commitment in recent years despite growing funding gaps. Now the federal and state governments must create the necessary framework for good educational opportunities for all children. “In the upcoming government negotiations, we will pay close attention to ensuring that elementary education is well positioned for the coming years – including with new funding. After all, kindergarten is the first educational institution.”
