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What does the daily routine look like in a kindergarten in Germany?

Kita-Job Agentur
Apr 14
4 min read

Are you a kindergarten teacher and would like to work in a kindergarten in Germany? But you're not familiar with the daily routine and don't know what to expect? We at Kita-Job Team will explain what it looks like and what you can expect.

The daily routine in a kindergarten in Germany can vary depending on the facility, but here is a general idea:

6:30 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

Most kindergartens begin the day by welcoming their children. Parents usually bring their children to kindergarten in the morning. There is usually a short welcome period during which the children and teachers get to know each other and interact.

8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

The first shared experience is a morning circle . Here, children have the opportunity to discuss specific topics or express their play preferences. Sometimes the morning circle begins with a few short dance and singing performances.

8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

During this time, breakfast is an integral part of most kindergartens in Germany.

9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Free play is often on the agenda after breakfast. Children can exercise in the fresh air in the garden or explore creative ideas in the daycare center's various rooms. This promotes social interaction and creative play.

11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

During the morning, there are structured educational activities in which the educators carry out targeted activities to promote the children's development in areas such as language, mathematics, art and music.

12:30 to 1:00 p.m.

Most kindergartens offer a lunchtime meal where children eat together. This promotes social skills and healthy eating.

1:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Depending on the age of the children and the facility's policies, there is often a quiet time or, in daycare centers, a bedtime after lunch.

2:00 pm to 3:30 pm

In the afternoon there are often other activities, such as outdoor games, crafts, reading aloud or musical activities.

3:30 pm to 6:00 pm

Cleaning up is often a common part of the day's schedule, so that all items can be found in their usual place the next day. Parents usually pick up their children in the afternoon. Some facilities offer childcare until 5:00 p.m. or earlier, while others close quite late in the evening, at 7:00 p.m.

Parent meetings and organizational tasks:

The educators may also have to conduct parent-teacher meetings or perform organizational tasks to promote cooperation with parents and maintain the kindergarten's operations.

It's important to note that this is only a general overview, and the exact daily routine may vary from kindergarten to kindergarten. Institutions often place great emphasis on the individual needs and interests of children while pursuing educational goals.

Who determines the exact daily routine in kindergarten in Germany?

The exact daily routine in kindergartens in Germany is usually determined by the kindergarten management and the educators in accordance with the pedagogical concepts and local regulations.

A kindergarten's concept influences the daily routine by determining the educational goals, methods, and priorities for children's development. For example, a kindergarten that follows a constructivist educational concept may emphasize self-directed learning and structure the daily routine so that children have plenty of free play time. Another kindergarten with a Montessori concept might have a more structured daily routine based on individual learning activities. The concept also influences how themes, celebrations, and activities are integrated into the daily routine to promote children's development.

What is different about German daycare centers compared to other countries?

German daycare centers have some differences compared to daycare centers in other countries, and these differences can vary by country and region. Here are some typical differences in German daycare centers compared to some other countries:

Pedagogical approach

Germany has various pedagogical approaches to early childhood education, including kindergarten and crèche. The focus is often on social interaction, cognitive development, and preparation for primary school.

Opening hours

In Germany, many daycare centers have set opening hours, often tailored to parents' needs. Some states may offer more flexible hours.

Daycare fees

In Germany, daycare fees may vary regionally, but they are relatively low or even free compared to some countries in order to make early childhood education more accessible to everyone.

Educational professionals

Germany places great emphasis on qualified early childhood educators, who must complete special pedagogical training. The requirements for early childhood education professionals may vary in some countries.

Inclusion in daycare

Germany strives to integrate children with special needs into kindergarten, and there are guidelines for inclusive education.

Educational goals

The educational goals and guidelines in German daycare centers are often very clearly defined and aim to promote the cognitive and social development of children.

It's important to note that there are large differences in early childhood education between different countries, and the differences noted above are general observations. The exact differences can vary greatly from country to country.