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New regulations are intended to relieve the burden on specialists and improve the quality of care
The Workers' Welfare Association (AWO) in Darmstadt has described the "Daycare Package 2025" as an important step toward improving early childhood education. "The law is a step in the right direction, also for us as operators of six daycare centers," emphasized AWO Chairman Michael Siebel .
The package includes amendments to the Hessian Child and Youth Code and is intended to alleviate the shortage of staff in daycare centers. Planned measures include:
- New access to management positions: Graduates of the Social Management program can be recognized as daycare center managers after further training.
- Easier entry for skilled workers: In the future, academic achievements can be partially replaced by further and advanced training.
- Broader range of specialists: The proportion of non-educational specialists will be increased from 25 to 30 percent – including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, motor therapists, and speech therapists.
In addition, the law provides additional investments of ten million euros annually . This will finance daycare assistants, language support, and measures to increase physical activity and health in daycare routines. Introduced in 2024, daycare assistants will take on simple, non-pedagogical tasks such as setting the table or preparing sports activities – significantly reducing the workload for staff.
Another focus is on language support : In addition to a state coordination office, three regional counseling centers are being established to support local providers through coaching. The health of children and educators is also receiving greater attention. Balance checks for staff are planned, as are new structures to firmly integrate physical activity into daily daycare routines.
Michael Siebel emphasizes that, despite the positive approaches, further discussions with parents, associations, and municipalities are needed: "The draft law can be improved even further. It's important that the changes ultimately reach the children and professionals."
(DARMSTADT – RED/AWO)
