Childcare in Nürnberg: Implementation of the Right to Full-Day Care by 2026

Update of the KitaS Ordinance: A Step Toward Full-Time Schools

In January 2026, the city of Nuremberg passed a comprehensive amendment to the ordinance for the city's child daycare facilities (KitaS). This measure is part of the implementation of the legal right to full-day care for children of primary school age, which will come into effect on August 1, 2026.

The new ordinance aims to shape childcare offers in accordance with legal requirements while also taking into account local needs in Nuremberg. This includes, among other things, adapting the allocation criteria, integrating the right to care into care planning, and expanding vacation childcare offers.

New Allocation Criteria: Fair Access to Childcare

One of the central changes in the ordinance is the removal of the "Employment" criterion from the allocation rules. Instead, the new "Right to Care" criterion is introduced, ensuring that children who have a legal claim to full-day care are prioritized. This is a step toward a fairer distribution of childcare places, regardless of the employment status of the parents.

Additionally, the criterion "Care of Siblings" has been added to support families who wish to place multiple children in the same childcare facility. Also new is the consideration of "Awakening within a mixed-age group setting," which promotes the inclusion of children of different ages and strengthens pedagogical quality.

Another important element is the consideration of the need for vacation childcare at more than ten operational days on equal footing. This should help close gaps in childcare provision and relieve parents during the school holidays.

Involvement of Parents and Experts: Transparent Decision-Making

The amendment was not adopted in secret but accompanied by an intensive consultation process. Parent councils were consulted and had the opportunity to express their opinions. In addition, a report from the Youth Welfare Committee was submitted, which welcomed the changes from a pedagogical and organizational perspective.

The involvement of parent councils is a crucial aspect of the new ordinance. It acknowledges the responsibility to actively include the childcare needs of local families. Moreover, the inclusion of experts such as the GEB Kindertagesstätten Nürnberg e.V. demonstrates the city's sensitivity to the specific challenges in the field of childcare.

Outlook: How Will the Amended Ordinance Take Effect?

The implementation of the legal right to full-day care is a milestone in childcare policy in Nuremberg. It enables families to design their employment biographies more flexibly and contributes to improving the compatibility of family and work life. At the same time, it strengthens the pedagogical quality of childcare offers through mixed-age groups and better vacation childcare.

In the long term, this development could also have a positive impact on children's school careers, as continuous care and support during the transition from kindergarten to school is particularly important. By amending the ordinance, the city of Nuremberg has clearly signaled that the well-being of children and the support of families are at the center of political work.

Conclusion: A Transparent and Inclusive Process

The amendment of the KitaS ordinance is an example of how political decisions in Nuremberg can be driven by broad participation and expertise. The involvement of parent councils, the inclusion of professional associations, and the clear orientation towards the city's guidelines show that Nuremberg takes its responsibility for the future viability of childcare seriously. With a focus on fairness, quality, and transparency, Nuremberg has taken a significant step toward becoming a modern, family-friendly city.