Karlsruhe’s Education Policy 2026: New Regulations in the SKiBB System for Primary School Students

Expansion and Regulation of the SKiBB Care System in Karlsruhe

In January 2026, Karlsruhe made significant decisions regarding the future of the SKiBB system – a central component of the city’s educational and care infrastructure. With the establishment of daily care hours and the revision of contract conditions and fees for first grade, the expansion of school-based care services is being structurally realigned. The goal is to provide parents with greater flexibility, improve the balance between family and work, and at the same time ensure educational quality.

Extension of Care Hours and Simplification of Modules

The city of Karlsruhe has set daily care hours for first grade at 9 hours (7:30 to 16:30), with care from 16:00 to 17:30 being eliminated. The new regulation is based on a modular system that allows parents to choose individual care hours. Three modules are planned:

• Module 1: 7:30–8:30 (Early Morning Care)
• Module 2: 12:00–14:00 (Lunchtime Care)
• Module 3: 14:00–16:30 (Afternoon Care)

These modules are intended to facilitate better integration into the school day while also giving parents the opportunity to flexibly plan their care needs. The early morning care not only serves as a transition into lessons but also provides a social space for children.

Fees and Financial Support

The fees for the modular care are set at 50 euros per month and module for the school year 2026/27. An additional 77 euros are charged for lunch. August is free of charge, due to lower usage during the summer holidays. Parents can apply for financial assistance through the Education and Participation Package (BuT) or the "Karlsruhe Children's Pass."

For holiday care, also offered within the SKiBB system, a week costs 100 euros (including lunch), with each holiday week reduced by 20 euros. Exemptions apply for families receiving ALG-II or with a Karlsruhe Children's Pass. The city does not assume liability for losses or damage to personal items brought to care, a point that has often been criticized in the past.

Contract Conditions and Legal Security

The new contract regulations stipulate clear rules for participation in the SKiBB care. Parents must sign a contract via the online platform and set up a SEPA direct debit mandate. Notice periods are two months, and in the case of payment arrears or non-usage, the city may terminate the contract. These provisions aim to provide legal clarity and ensure the sustainability of the system.

In addition, specific regulations apply to the Viktor-von-Scheffel-School, where care hours and fees differ slightly due to the school’s structure. For example, care is offered in three modules: 7–8:30, 12–14, and 12–17. Fees are more differentiated here, with families with multiple children benefiting from tiered pricing.

Outlook and Challenges

The new SKiBB structure is part of a long-term plan extending into the school year 2027/28. The administration is already preparing a new fee regulation that will also revise the rules for grades 2 to 4. At the same time, the discussion on financing and the compatibility of educational quality and cost pressure remains current. The city of Karlsruhe emphasizes that it intends to continue expanding care services even during the transitional phase to meet the increasing demand for care places.

The decisions in January 2026 mark a milestone in Karlsruhe’s educational policy. They demonstrate the city’s willingness to professionalize school-based care services while ensuring financial sustainability. Whether these models will function in practice and whether parents will actually use the care hours as opposed to the previous practice remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Karlsruhe is betting on greater flexibility, transparency, and structural security in school care.