A landmark initiative has been launched by the Saxon state government, aiming to establish a comprehensive program for early childhood education. The initiative, to be presented in the Federal Council on Friday, seeks to expedite the legislative process for a quality development law for kindergartens, as the current law is set to expire at the end of 2026.
The Saxon Minister of Culture, Conrad Clemens, emphasized the significance of a reliable continuation of measures in childcare institutions, stating, “The quality development law must now gain momentum quickly, or time will slip away from us.” He highlighted the importance of early childhood education in promoting social equity and preparing children for a successful school start.
The background of the initiative lies in the 2019 Kita-Qualitäts- und Teilhabeverbesserungsgesetz (KiQuTG), which provides for federal financial participation in the measures of the states. By 2026, a total of 13.5 billion euros in federal funds will be available, with 644.5 million euros allocated to Saxony. These funds have been used to implement measures such as the training of professionals and language education.