Inclusive Kita Landscape in Stuttgart: Progress, Challenges, and Future Visions

Inclusive Kita Landscape in Stuttgart: Progress, Challenges, and Future Visions

Stuttgart has been actively working towards an inclusive Kita landscape for several years. In March 2026, the city reaches a crucial milestone: the guideline "Kita for All" is in the second half of its three-year pilot phase, and the completion of the model Kita project "Growing Together" is approaching. At the same time, preparations for participation in the Inclusion Pilot Project (MoVe In) are underway—a step that aims to sustainably strengthen inclusion in early childhood education and care in Stuttgart.

Progress of the Guideline "Kita for All"

The guideline "Kita for All" was adopted in 2023 and has since launched a wide range of measures. Its goal is to create an inclusive Kita landscape where all children—regardless of disability, cultural background, or need for support—have equal opportunities. The pilot phase runs until 2026, and an interim evaluation was conducted in April 2025, confirming positive progress in the inclusive mindset and practices within Kitas.

A key factor for success is the Practice Advisory Board "Kita for All," which brings together parents, Kita facility directors, management, and special educational professionals. The board meets three times a year and addresses concrete issues relevant to Kita practice. In addition, the board has established an additional seat in the Stuttgart Conference of Overall Parent Advisory Councils (KdGEB) for parents of children with disabilities—a sign of the strengthening of participation.

Model Kita "Growing Together": A Milestone for Inclusion

The model Kita "Growing Together" represents another milestone in the implementation of the guideline. It will be operational starting in the kindergarten year 2026/2027 and is run by the Rominger Foundation in cooperation with the Association of Physically Disabled People Stuttgart e.V. (KBV Stuttgart). The Kita offers 52 children a place, 12 of which are reserved for children with disabilities. The goal is to provide children with disabilities the same conditions as children without disabilities.

The construction of the Kita, carried out by the housing cooperative Neues Heim eG (BGNH) as the developer, is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2026. The project is part of the reform of the Eighth Book of Social Security Code (SGB VIII) and the Children and Youth Strengthening Act (KJSG), which introduced an unrestricted legal entitlement to a Kita place for children with disabilities as well.

Inclusion Pilot Project (MoVe In): New Support for Kitas

Stuttgart plans to participate in the Inclusion Pilot Project (MoVe In) in order to further strengthen inclusion in Kitas. MoVe In provides for mobile specialist services and quality advisors in Kitas who offer advice, process support, and qualification. The aim is to strengthen pedagogical work in Kitas and to sustainably anchor inclusion.

The capital city of Stuttgart plans to expand the existing services of the Central Information and Advisory Service (ZIB) through MoVe In. Participation in the pilot project has been registered with the Ministry of Education, Youth, and Sport, pending the final conditions.

Training: Key to Inclusion

Another central element of the guideline is the continuous training of pedagogical professionals. Stuttgart offers a broad range of free training courses, including topics such as autism spectrum disorders, sign language in the Kita environment, resilience promotion, and parent collaboration. The trainings are organized through the ZIB and can be registered for online.

In March 2026, trainings on topics such as "Infectious diseases in Kitas" and "Sensitizing and supporting parents in dealing with childhood obesity" are planned. These offerings underscore how strongly Stuttgart is committed to qualified and inclusive pedagogical work.

Outlook: The Future of the Kita Landscape in Stuttgart

In the fall of 2026, another participatory process is planned to revise the guideline "Kita for All." Suggestions for the future include the introduction of inclusion kits for Kitas, external coaching services, and improved accessibility. The topic repository of the guideline also offers a wide range of further topics that can be prioritized and implemented.

At the same time, the new Kita at Schrozberger Straße 41 in Zuffenhausen is being advanced. The construction is planned to start in the fall of 2027, with completion scheduled for the summer of 2029. The Kita will care for 80 children in five groups and significantly improve childcare provision in the region.

With the guideline "Kita for All" and the associated measures, Stuttgart has set a clear course for an inclusive Kita landscape. The coming months and years will show whether this course can be successfully implemented—and whether Stuttgart remains a model for other cities in Germany.