The program offered a variety of activities for all age groups: Children blew soap bubbles, collected flowers and leaves with their parents to create nature collages, or had their faces painted. Colorful abstract paintings were created using a paint-spinning wheel. Over coffee, cake, and other treats, parents, child care providers, and staff struck up conversations.

Child daycare is an indispensable part of child care in Wiesbaden. Childcare providers offer parents and their children services equivalent to those provided in daycare centers in terms of education, learning, and care. Parents and guardians pay the same fees for daycare centers and child daycare; both services are publicly funded. This is based on the respective municipal statutes. In small groups of up to five children, child care providers care for and nurture the youngest members of our society. In doing so, they follow the Hessian Education and Upbringing Plan.

Of the approximately 100 child care providers currently active in Wiesbaden, more than half work within the “Kinderbrücke” model. This model, unique in Germany, is characterized by the fact that a child care provider looks after a maximum of three children. In return, they receive a recognition payment increased by one-quarter for their services, as well as funding for an additional substitute care slot. In the event of illness, three to five child daycare providers cover for one another through a coordinated substitute system. To ensure that the children already know their substitute caregiver, the participating child care providers meet with the children regularly each week for a playgroup. This is led by an early childhood education specialist.

By ensuring substitute care that addresses the child’s need for attachment in the event of the child care provider’s illness, the higher flat-rate reimbursement for the service—including funding for the always-available substitute spot—as well as the formal and informal exchange among the child care providers, high quality is ensured in Wiesbaden’s early childhood care landscape.

Parents appreciate the family-like atmosphere in child daycare. For many children, child daycare is a favorite place to learn, play, and laugh. Children discover and explore the world in a safe environment. In small groups, almost like at home, they receive comprehensive care.

Dr. Patricia Becher, Head of Social Affairs, said: “Kinderbrücke is an impressive example of how family-oriented care, reliability, and educational quality can be combined. The fact that this model is unique in Germany and is supported by so many dedicated child care providers is a great benefit for children and families in Wiesbaden. I would like to sincerely thank everyone involved for their dedication and commitment.”

She thanks all the child care providers involved, the families, and the group leaders at Kinderbrücke for the successful celebration. Special thanks go to the representatives of the independent providers EVIM and the Wiesbaden Child Protection Association for their cooperative and excellent collaboration. She wishes all those involved in child day care, and especially at Kinderbrücke, continued joy in the wonderful work they do—work that is both valuable and irreplaceable.

Interested parents can receive regular advice on child care options at the Child Care Office, Bahnhofstraße 55–57, (0611) 314263.

Further information and dates are available at www.wiesbaden.de/leben-in-wiesbaden/gesellschaft-soziales/kinder/kinderbetreuung/tagespflege/kindertagespflege (opens in a new tab).