In the debate about the reliability of childcare in Germany, Family Minister Lisa Paus (Greens) has underlined the need for investments in kindergartens.
“For families to be able to rely on kindergartens, it’s crucial to invest in need-based and high-quality childcare” Paus told the Funke Media Group’s newspapers. “Investments in acquiring skilled staff, particularly in the education professions, are equally important.”
Paus was reacting to a debate sparked by economist Monika Schnitzer, who told the Funke newspapers that Germany’s childcare offers do not enable full-time work. “The kindergartens are open for too few hours a day, they are not reliable, close too many weeks a year” Schnitzer said. “You can’t rely on the kindergartens. The whole system is based on involving grandparents or organizing private babysitters if you can afford it. Those who can’t have no other choice but to reduce their working hours.