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Berlin Local Reference INFOrmation
Everything for parents with young children living in Germany: with information on health matters, child benefits and childcare.
Below is information to help parents with very young children living in Germany. Subjects covered include Health Matters, Benefits, Parental Leave, Childcare, Finding Other People with Pre-School Children and how to find out about activities for children when Out and About with Toddlers. Health Matters
After birth the first point of contact for the child's general health is a paediatrician (Kinderarzt). If the mother opts for an outpatient, home or birth house delivery then the baby must be taken to and registered with a paediatrician for its second statutory examination ("U2") at between three and ten days old. All medical observations are entered in the child's health record (Kinder-Untersuchungsheft) which is given to the mother following the birth. This must be taken to every medical consultation (Untersuchung) the child has until they are five years of age. It is used to record the developmental progress of the child including height, weight, vision and hearing as well as any tests which may be carried out. The health record (Untersuchungsheft) also lists how old a child should be for each statutory developmental examination. Doctors' practices have individual surgery times and it is wise to keep a copy of these to hand. In an emergency take a child to the nearest hospital with an accident and emergency (A&E) department (Notfallstation/Notdienst). A&E departments are open 24 hours a day. VaccinationsIn Germany vaccinations are voluntary not mandatory. They are recorded in a small international (printed in German, English and French) certificate of vaccination (Internationale Bescheinigungen ueber Impfungen und Impfbuch) which accompanies the child's health record (Kinder-Untersuchungsheft). This details the manufacturer and batch number of the vaccine, the date the vaccine is given, the disease it protects against and the signature of the person administering it. BenefitsChild Benefit (Kindergeld)Child benefit is paid until the child reaches 18 (or 21 if unemployed) or until 27 if in educational training. There is no limit for disabled children who will never be able to support themselves financially. It is paid irrespective of the parents' income. A copy of the birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde) must be sent to the Families Office at the Department of Employment (Familienkasse beim Arbeitsamt) to register for child benefit (Kindergeld). A booklet (in German), Staatliche Hilfe fuer Familien (State Aid for Families), containing further information on child benefit and other financial assistance for families is available from the Federal Ministry of Families, Pensioners, Women & Youth (Bundesministerium fuer Familie, Frauen, Senioren und Jugend - BMFSFJ).
Child Raising Allowance (Elterngeld)New legislation introduced at the beginning of 2007 is aimed at financially supporting parents and giving them the freedom to choose when to return to work after having children. The former child raising allowance (Erziehungsgeld) has been replaced by an allowance for parents (Elterngeld). However, the old regulations still apply to children born in 2007. In order to qualify for this allowance an application must be made to the Federal Office for Youth (Jugendamt). The Child Raising Allowance (Elterngeld) can be claimed by either parent as long as they live in the same household as the child. It may be paid to same sex parents or grandparents in certain circumstances. Elterngeld is assessed as 67 percent of the net income of the mother or father (the average of the previous 12 months before the birth) up to a maximum of €1800 per month. Elterngeld is paid for a period of 12 months or 14 months if both parents take leave to care for the baby. The aim is to encourage fathers to take time off to care for their children. It is also possible for both parents to claim Elterngeld and the number of months reduces accordingly. Alternatively, it can be paid for twice as long and the monthly amounts reduced by half.
Parental Leave (Elternzeit)German law allows parents to take a period of parental leave (Elternzeit). This may be taken until the child reaches the age of three. No salary is paid during this period, but the employer is legally obliged to keep the parent's job open for the period of parental leave. With the agreement of the employer, one year of parental leave may be "saved" and used when the child is between the ages of three and eight. Parental leave rights apply to all employees regardless of whether they are in full- or part-time employment, on fixed term contracts or casual employment. Tell the employer in writing six weeks before the start of intended parental leave. Parental leave can be taken by either parent, assuming both are in employment and may also be shared for the period. The law on employment protection (Kuendigungsschutz) also applies for the duration of parental leave. It is also possible for parents to work part-time for up to 30 hours a week without affecting the terms of parental leave or employment protection rights. These rights apply to natural, foster and adoptive parents.
ChildcareFor parents choosing to return to work there are many childcare options available. A law on consolidating daycare for children (Gesetz zum Ausbau der Tagesbetreuung - TAG) was introduced at the beginning of 2005. The aim of the law is to ensure that some form of childcare is available to all pre-school age children irrespective of their family circumstances. Recent changes to the regulations for primary school admission mean that children start school in the August of the calendar year they are six. However, many primary schools (Grundschule) offer free half-day sessions for children to attend the year before they are due to start full time. The German Ministry for Families (Bundesfamilienministerium) has also developed a database tool to make it easier for parents to find available daycare places for their child to suit their needs.
Nursery School (Kindergarten or Kita)Children under the age of three have no legal right to a place in nursery school (Kindergarten). Places are often limited and in some cases new admissions are only accepted once a year, so it is advisable for parents to place their child on the waiting list of the nursery of their choice well in advance. All children aged three and above have a statutory right to a place at a nursery (Kindergarten/Kita). A "Kita" is a more informal kindergarten, often run by parents' associations. Most nurseries operate half-day sessions (usually mornings), but approximately one third offer full day care. Nurseries are run by local authorities, churches, and charitable organisations. Parents are obliged to make a financial contribution towards the cost based on their family income. Major towns, for example Berlin, also have many private (some German-English bilingual) nurseries which offer flexible daycare sessions and longer opening hours to meet the demands of working parents. There are also a number of nurseries which follow specific pedagogical teachings and principles such as Montessori and Waldorf nurseries.
Enrolling in a KindergartenThere is a specific procedure for enrolling a child at a kindergarten. First visit the local municipal nursery office "Kita-Stelle" where the financial and social (for example single or dual parent) status of the family is assessed and recorded. Written confirmation is then given by the Office for Youth (Jugendamt) which details the childcare entitlement and sets the financial contribution ratio expected of the parent.
Childminders (Tagesmutter)Childminders can be found through personal recommendation or by contacting the local Office for Youth (Jugendamt) who will recommend a registered childminder, often with a professional childminding qualification. Childminding costs are generally lower than nursery fees. Further information can be obtained from the Association for Childminders:
Babysitters & Au pairsThese may be useful for evenings and shorter periods of time on an ad-hoc basis. Some of the local expatriate websites post small ads with babysitters offering their services. Check with local schools or neighbours for recommendations. Most German teenagers speak English well so communication should not be an issue with small children. Hourly rates vary and more is usually paid after midnight. There are also a number of agencies which provide babysitters, au pairs and other forms of domestic help. A national babysitter and au pair finding service (including English-speakers) can be found at:
Finding Other People with Pre-School ChildrenToddler groups do exist and it is best to ask other mums for times and locations. Some are advertised in local English language magazines or on expatriate websites. The British Council and the English-speaking consulates may know of playgroups.
Out and About with ToddlersThere are many activities for parents and children all over Germany.
Tourist offices generally have lots of information on where to go with children.
Further Information
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