Childcare Facility License

Operating a childcare facility (Kindertageseinrichtung) in Germany, including nurseries, kindergartens, and after-school centres, requires a license from the state youth welfare office (Landesjugendamt) under Section 45 SGB VIII. The facility may not open until the license has been granted. This applies to all facilities where children are cared for full-time or part-time.

The licensing process takes at least three months. The Landesjugendamt reviews the care concept, staffing plan, qualifications of the staff, room layout, outdoor space, hygiene standards, and child protection measures. Premises are inspected on-site. The staffing ratio must meet state requirements, and the facility director needs recognised qualifications in early childhood education. Once licensed, the facility is subject to ongoing supervision with regular inspections.