On Monday, the German Federal Cabinet approved a draft law extending the deadline for the Full-Day Kindergarten Expansion Program. With the extension of the investment program by two years, measures could be completed until the end of 2029, the Federal Ministry of Education announced. The federal government is thus addressing requests from states and municipalities, aiming to provide greater planning security for the further nationwide expansion of full-day kindergarten care.
Federal Family Minister Karin Prien (CDU) stated, “Good full-day care can only be achieved with reliability and a realistic view of the challenges on the ground. That is why it is right to give states and municipalities the opportunity to continue expanding these services – because planning processes take time, often skilled labor shortages or supply chain disruptions hinder local initiatives.”
The federal funds of 3.5 billion euros will now be available until 2029, creating reliable planning foundations. “Our goal is clear: more quality, more places and genuine support for greater educational equity” said Prien. The decision is intended to “also serve as a sign of the new and improved federal cooperation.