Kindergarten (Kita) & Kita-Gutschein in Berlin – A Simple Guide #

Looking for childcare in Berlin? Germany offers affordable and high-quality early childhood education through Kindergartens (Kitas). The Kita-Gutschein (Childcare Voucher) helps parents cover the costs of daycare. Here’s everything you need to know!

What is a Kita? #

A Kita (Kindertagesstätte) is a daycare center for children aged 0-6 years.

• It helps kids learn and socialize before primary school.
• Available as public (state-funded) or private Kitas.
• Costs are partially or fully covered by the Kita-Gutschein.

What is a Kita-Gutschein? #

The Kita-Gutschein is a childcare voucher that covers part or all of the costs for daycare in Berlin.

• 100% free for children aged 3+ (no fees for up to 7 hours/day).
• Available for children as young as 8 weeks old.
• Parents pay only for meals (€23-90/month), depending on the Kita.

Who Can Apply for a Kita-Gutschein? #

You can apply if:

• You live in Berlin and your child is registered at your address.
• You need childcare for work, studies, or integration reasons.
• Your child is between 8 weeks and 6 years old.

How Many Hours Does the Kita-Gutschein Cover? #

The voucher covers 4-9 hours per day based on your situation:

Voucher Type	Hours Per Day	Who can apply?
4-5 hours	Part-time	No proof needed (for all children 1 year+)
5-7 hours	Standard	Parents working/studying over 20 hours per week
7-9 hours	Full-time	Parents with full-time jobs, single parents, special needs

 

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How to Apply for a Kita-Gutschein #

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents #

• Parent’s ID/passport
• Child’s birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde)
• Proof of address (Meldebescheinigung)
• Proof of work/study (if applying for more than 5 hours)

Berlin Kita-Gutschein

Step 2: Apply Online or In-Person #

• Apply Online
• Or submit your application at the Jugendamt (youth office) in your district.

Step 3: Get Your Kita-Gutschein & Find a Kita #

• Processing takes 4-8 weeks.
• Once approved, visit different Kitas and choose the one you like.
• Give the Kita-Gutschein to the Kita – they will handle the fees!

Finding the Right Kita in Berlin #

• Public Kitas: (state-funded, lower costs, long waiting lists).
• Private Kitas: (more flexibility, but higher costs).
• Parental Initiatives: (Eltern-Initiativ-Kitas) (run by parents, close-knit community).
• Bilingual Kitas: (great for international families).

Tip: Start looking for a Kita 6-12 months in advance – spots fill up fast!

•  Useful Links & Resources:
  Official Berlin search portal. Kita Navigator shows you nearby options and tells you if there are any open spots coming up. You can also use the advanced search to narrow your choices by language, teaching style, and more.
  Kita.de
  HeyAva.de
  Kita Spot Berlin: A Facebook page and an updated (paid) database that regularly shares available free spots.
  International families in Berlin: A helpful Facebook group where you can find recommendations in your area, especially for international or bilingual options
  Kita in Berlin: Another active Facebook group where parents help each other. It’s more local and less focused on international options

Costs & Financial Support #

• Children 3+ get Kita for free (up to 7 hours/day).
• Under 3? The cost depends on your income, but most parents pay nothing or very little.
• Meal Costs: Some Kitas charge between €23-90/month for food.