EXPLAINED: How each German state plans to improve childcare and lower Kita costs for families
Germany wants to improve pre-school care across the country and reduce costs for families. But how does each state plan to do it?
These are the best places in Germany to send your kids to Kindergarten
The care of preschool children in Germany is steadily improving, but only one state is hitting recommended standards for the teacher-to-child ratio, a new study finds.
Germany to require nursery schools to report anti-vaxxer parents
A proposed law would obligate nursery schools to report parents who refuse to seek medical vaccination advice for their children, with such parents facing fines of up to €2,500.
Minister calls for end to childcare strikes
Families Minister Manuela Schwesig called on Wednesday for local governments to find a pay and conditions deal with daycare and social workers to avoid a new round of strikes.
MP wants 24-hour care for late workers' kids
Berlin politicians are considering plans to keep kindergartens open for 24 hours in Berlin to help parents with unusual work hours.
Leipzig must pay families denied childcare
The city of Leipzig was penalized by courts on Monday for not having enough childcare spaces available.
Families find solace and help with seniors
When Verena Herz found out she was pregnant with twins, she had no idea what she was in for. Luckily, she was able to borrow a grandmother. The Local learns the advantages of welcoming a new grandparent into the family and why Omas and Opas say: "I tell everybody about it!"
Investors spy big bucks in day-care crunch
As German authorities scramble to create thousands of day care places by a 2013 deadline, many investment firms are sensing opportunity and setting up "day care-facility funds" that promise solid returns over several years.
Toddler attempts Saturday solo trip to kindergarten
A four-year-old in Cologne took it upon himself to leave his home on Saturday morning at 6 am and go alone to his kindergarten.
Day care workers' wage dispute close to breakthrough
Salary negotiations for around 220,000 kindergarten teachers and social education workers in the public sector are to enter the final round in Frankfurt on Sunday, a union spokeswoman announced.