Care Hours, Funding, and Quality: April 2026 in Cottbus’ Childcare

Important Meetings and Decisions

In April 2026, several relevant meetings of the subcommittee for childcare took place in Cottbus. The session on April 15, 2026 focused on the evaluation of the end of the guideline for extended care hours. The effects on care quality and funding were discussed. In addition, reports on the demand for the third level of childcare and the situation of childcare centers with special needs were central.

Another meeting took place on April 28, 2026, when the working committee of the municipal enterprise "Kommunale Kinder- und Jugendhilfe" (Municipal Child and Youth Services) convened. The new version of the operational bylaws and adjustments to the parental contribution ordinance were in focus. The meeting was public and attracted representatives from administration, politics, and parents.

Funding and Quality: Challenges from the End of Funding

The guideline for extended care hours, which financially supported childcare centers, ended at the beginning of 2026. This has led to significant financial shortfalls, especially for childcare centers that relied on these funds. According to reports presented in the subcommittee, extended care hours can still be offered, but the quality of care is at risk.

The "Kita-Budget" guideline provides a subsidy of 40 euros per child, but this is not sufficient to finance additional care hours. As a result, operators have to make compromises—either by reducing opening hours, spending less time on parent meetings, or experiencing a decline in quality. Overall, 15% of children in the municipal enterprise are affected by these deficits.

Staff Shortages and Volunteer Support

Another problem is the shortage of staff. Many childcare centers reported staff absences due to illness and the resulting pressure on the remaining personnel. In some cases, volunteers step in—especially during reading time or for offers outside of educational care. However, they cannot replace staff in the event of absences.

The new team leader for childcare funding will start on May 18, 2026. Until then, the settlement of subsidies from the guideline remains unclear, leading to further uncertainty. In addition, the needs for the third and fourth quarters of 2026 are not yet fully foreseeable.

Equal Treatment and Financial Adjustments

Another topic of discussion is the equal treatment in the remuneration of childcare workers. A regulation for financial adjustments is being developed to readjust the contributions that were deemed insufficient for the period from 2015 to 2018. The Mayor will be tasked with drafting a special payment ordinance that is supported by all factions.

In addition, it is emphasized to engage with the state for financial adjustments to maintain the quality of care. Projects such as "Theaterprojekt," "Lotsenstelle Cottbus," or "ICH BIN ICH" were made possible through funding and are now being discontinued—with negative consequences for parental involvement and the educational and participation opportunities for children.

Outlook: Challenges Remain

Childcare in Cottbus is entering a new phase. With the end of funding for extended care hours and the introduction of the "Kita-Budget" guideline, new financial shortfalls are emerging that can affect quality. In addition, the shortage of staff remains a central issue that will continue to impact the care structure in the future.

The goal must be to maintain both care hours and quality. This requires financial resources that go beyond the current guideline. The discussions in the subcommittee show that politics is aware of the need for financial adjustments—whether concrete measures will follow remains to be seen.