The city continues to rely on dialogue and measures to combat the shortage of skilled workers
The city council of Darmstadt has decided to end the temporary reduction in childcare module D, as of May 1, 2025. This measure aimed to stabilize the childcare system during the winter months and ensure predictability for families. Starting in May, facility-specific measures will again be implemented in cases of staff shortages.
Feedback from the parents was the deciding factor
The city is responding to numerous requests for feedback from parents, childcare providers, and daycare teams with this decision. "The compatibility of family and career, as well as high-quality childcare, must be guaranteed," explain Mayor Hanno Benz and Deputy Mayor Barbara Akdeniz .
Mayor Akdeniz emphasizes: "The feedback shows that a balanced approach is needed to address the needs of families and the workload of skilled workers."
Challenges remain: skills shortage and high demands
All childcare providers in Darmstadt continue to struggle with a shortage of qualified staff . Over the past ten years, the city has significantly increased the number of childcare places.
- U3 places : +50% (from 236 in 2015 to 349 in 2024)
- Over-3s places : +30% (from 1,419 in 2015 to 1,846 in 2024)
At the same time, according to the Paritätische Gesamtverband (Parity Welfare Association), there is a nationwide shortage of around 125,000 specialists in early childhood education.
Measures to recruit skilled workers
The city of Darmstadt relies on a variety of strategies to attract and retain skilled workers. These include:
- International recruitment of skilled workers
- Appearances at training fairs
- Career guidance in schools
- Skilled worker campaign and social media
- Expansion of training and further education opportunities
The state program “Strong Teams, Strong Daycare Centers” is being actively used to create relief – a renewed funding period is to be applied for.
Carriers draw a differentiated conclusion
Michael Müller-Möscheid (Evangelical Deanery): emphasizes the importance of preventive measures and the promotion of employees.
Anne Marquardt (AWO): emphasizes that the reduction has provided short-term relief – flexible solutions will be needed in the future.
Martina Jonetat (ASB): sees the reduction in hours as a strategic instrument that will need to be used selectively in the future.
Markus Schmahl (Catholic Daycare Centers): warns of long-term consequences and emphasizes the importance of showing appreciation for the teaching staff.
Dr. Erik Sparn-Wolf (Paritätischer): welcomes the shared responsibility of providers and the city – and highlights the positive effect on everyday life in daycare centers.
DaS KinD eV : expresses solidarity with the measure, but warns that the staff shortage persists and will again have to be borne by providers alone in the future.
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/dk)
