Full-Day Childcare and School Support in Lübeck: Implementing the Right to Care Under Scrutiny

Implementation of the Right to Full-Day Support in Lübeck

Starting with the school year 2026/27, Germany will introduce a legal entitlement to full-day education and care for children of primary school age. In Lübeck, where already over 80% of primary school children are cared for in full-day programs, the implementation of this right is a central political and organizational task. The city is planning transitional arrangements to ensure full implementation by 2029/30.

The current care coverage already stands at 80%, and care hours are divided into three modules (2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.), with the possibility of early care at some locations. Holiday care is also secured. However, the implementation of the legal entitlement also brings challenges: Funding structures must be renegotiated, parental contribution models need to be adjusted, and support for independent providers must be guaranteed.

Support for Childcare Providers: New Ordinance and Changes

In April 2026, Lübeck passed a new ordinance for the support of childminders. It reflects the adaptations of the Childcare Support Act (KiTaG) and introduces fundamental changes. A central point is the suspension of the rent subsidy for childminders. In addition, support has been recalculated to meet legal requirements.

The new ordinance also regulates the continued payment of financial support during absence periods (illness, vacation, training) and introduces regulations for the training bonus. A controversy arose over the question of whether 30 days would be sufficient or whether 40 days would be more reasonable for better planning security.

Another focus is the equal treatment of childminders and childcare facilities. Thus, childminders who fall out of service when a child moves to a Kita (early childhood education center) should not automatically lose their support, if the notice period is still running. This aspect was addressed in the ordinance and is the subject of further political discussions.

Parental Contributions and Social Grading: The "Lübeck Contribution Ceiling"

The funding of full-day support through parental contributions is a central political issue. Lübeck has introduced a "contribution ceiling", which limits the monthly parental contribution to 120 euros—significantly lower than the 135 euro ceiling set by the state of Schleswig-Holstein. This model is known as the "Lübeck Contribution Ceiling" and is intended to relieve families with low incomes.

The city has also introduced socially graded contributions, based on the social grading of the KiTaG regulation. Recipients of social assistance (SGB II, SGB XII, asylum seeker benefits, housing allowance, child benefit) pay no fees. For families with low income, reductions are possible—also for multiple children or blended families.

Parental contributions are independent of the child's actual attendance and do not include catering costs. Catering is settled directly between parents and caregivers. Subsidies for lunch are possible via the Participation Package or the Lübeck Education Fund.

Future of Funding and Planning Security

Starting with the school year 2027/28, new funding guidelines are planned, which are to be submitted for approval in a funding guideline. The aim is a collaborative design of the funding structure with providers and affected parties. The city wants to use consolidation effects through state funding and develop a sustainable contribution system in the long term, without political disputes.

Planning security for families and providers is central in this. The budget contracts for independent providers, originally running until the end of 2026, are now extended until July 31, 2027. This should facilitate the transition to the new funding structure.