Gelsenkirchen is investing strongly in the future: Daycare for children in focus

Gelsenkirchen is investing strongly in the future: Daycare for children in focus

Childcare in Gelsenkirchen has recently come to the center of local political debate. In March 2026, key decisions were made to strengthen the care infrastructure, address the shortage of qualified staff, and ensure educational standards. At the same time, controversies have emerged, including around religious rituals in municipal facilities. In this article, we analyze the most important developments and their significance for the future of childcare in Gelsenkirchen.

1. The new construction of the Küppersbuschstraße kindergarten – a milestone

The municipal daycare center at Küppersbuschstraße will be rebuilt by 2029 at the latest. The existing location could no longer be used due to water damage and planning errors. The new building will accommodate 130 children in seven groups (including three inclusive groups) and offer 2,140 m² of outdoor play area. The total costs amount to 11.5 million euros, with 1.95 million euros covered by third-party funding.

Funding is largely coming from the 2026 budget, with the construction taking place in several phases. The cost distribution is clearly defined: 119,000 euros in 2025, 4 million in 2026, 5.5 million in 2027, and 1.881 million in 2028. Annual net follow-up costs amount to 570,216.67 euros.

The planning is in the hands of the Gelsenkirchener Entwicklungsgesellschaft mbH, and the project follows clear barrier-free standards. The new construction is not only a step toward better care but also a symbol of long-term investment in the city’s future.

2. Educational tensions: Religious rituals at the Herforder Straße kindergarten

Another topic currently being debated in the city concerns the role of religious content in educational concepts. At the Herforder Straße kindergarten, it was found that children were being taught Islamic rituals such as prayer and writing in Arabic. However, parental involvement was not guaranteed, which violated applicable regulations.

Section 22a of the Social Code (SGB VIII) requires that parents must be involved in educational decisions. While it is permissible to consider religious and philosophical content in educational concepts, transparency and parental consent are crucial. An investigation is underway to determine whether the management was aware of the incidents and how consent was ensured.

The AfD requested a situation report, highlighting how sensitive the issue is politically. At the same time, it is being examined whether Christian offers were provided in a comparable manner to ensure the neutrality of state institutions.

3. Staffing problems and flexibility: Challenges for GeKita

In addition to infrastructural measures, Gelsenkirchen is also facing personnel challenges. The shortage of qualified staff in childcare is noticeable – not all care positions can be filled. Moreover, sick leave rates in 2025 were unusually high, leading to multiple partial closures.

To promote work-life balance, the city supports flexible working hours, home office arrangements, and part-time work. In addition, it is being discussed whether part-time training for educators and child carers should be introduced to support single parents in particular.

GeKita, the city’s childcare institution, is central to the discussion on staff and care quality. The GeKita app, which has been in use citywide since the beginning of 2022, has become an important tool for parental involvement. With a user rate of 83.5 percent, it is a successful model that is to be further developed, for example to support the transition to primary school.

4. Inclusion and language support: PlusKITAs and the F.i.T. program

Gelsenkirchen is also relying on targeted support programs to assist disadvantaged children. The PlusKITAs program supports children with special needs, particularly in terms of language and social development. Gelsenkirchen has 80 PlusKITAs, 49 of which are operated by the city. Funding is provided until 2030 through state programs such as KiBiz.

Another important instrument is the F.i.T. program, which tests the developmental level of four-year-old children. Approximately 51–57 percent of children require support recommendations after a diagnostic assessment. The Mobile Therapeutic Support Service supports kindergartens in caring for children with developmental deficits or behavioral problems. Around 300–400 mobile interventions are planned annually.

Conclusion: A city in motion

Gelsenkirchen is proving that childcare is not only a matter of infrastructure but also a central building block for social justice and demographic future viability. By investing in new buildings, inclusive concepts, digital communication, and educational quality, the city is working toward a modern, transparent, and participatory childcare landscape.

Currently, however, criticism regarding parental involvement and educational neutrality is also warranted – topics that will be crucial for shaping the kindergarten landscape in the coming months. The challenges are great, but Gelsenkirchen has shown that it is ready to invest in the future with courage and vision.