The concept of Tagesmutter in Germany

When looking for a kindergarten, you may have heard the term Tagesmutter or (childminder). Similarly, there are also many Tagesväter in Germany :-). In fact, a total of 173,988 children in day care in Germany are cared for by a Tagesmutter or a Tagesvater (there are 44,7982 of them in total according to the Federal Statistical Office as of 1 March 2020).

A Tagesmutter looks after up to 5 children in her own household or in rooms rented by her. But not everyone can work as a Tagesmutter without preconditions. A childcare permit from the youth welfare office (Jugendamt) is required. The Tagesmutter can, but does not necessarily have to have a pedagogical education. In order to receive the care permission, however, it is necessary that she attends a qualification course. This course comprises 160 teaching units. As a rule, Tagesmütter also take part in further training courses at a later date. The premises are also checked by the youth welfare office for safety and hygiene. The Tagesmutter receives a state allowance per child for her work. This way, the care provided by her is not more expensive for the parents than attending a kindergarten. As a rule, children from 1 to 3 years of age, in some cases 4 years, visit a Tagesmutter. At the age of 4 years at the latest, a switch to a kindergarten is necessary.

Parents in Germany choose the care of a Tagesmutter for various reasons. The most important thing is that they want a small, manageable group size in a family environment for their toddler. The Tagesmutter should be a stable reference person for the children, offering them a family-like situation.

If you are interested in a care by a Tagesmutter, you should ask for a recommendation from other parents who already have a child cared for there. As a second step, you can contact her and arrange a visit or an appointment to get to know each other.

If you are looking for information about the kindergarten system in Germany, check out the article in the link below.

Kindergarten in Germany

Let us give you an overview of the kindergarten system, different types of kindergarten, some facts to keep in mind and what kids learn at a kindergarten in Germany.

India2GermanyDr. Paras Mehta

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