THE LÄND is the perfect place for living and working. In addition to innovative strength, cutting-edge research and a qualified workforce, Baden-Württemberg also offers a wide range of integration opportunities. Read here about the high-quality childcare and education services Baden-Württemberg has to offer for your children. Convince yourself in the first part about how family-friendly application procedures, individual job models and language courses contribute to sustainable integration.
THE LÄND provides financial support for young families
How family-friendly Germany is becomes clear when it comes to financial support for young families. Every family living and working in the German Southwest receives child benefit, regardless of income. At the moment, parents receive around 250 euros/ per child per month until their child turns 18.
In addition, parents who wish to stay at home completely or reduce their working hours after the birth of their child are entitled to Parental Allowance for twelve months. It amounts to around two thirds of the monthly net income - but at least 300 euros and a maximum of 1,800 euros. Parental Allowance Plus can be drawn for twice as long as basic parental allowance, which is why it is only half as high. Besides, you can also combine the different variants of Parental Allowance (Basic and Plus). Parents who share childcare can receive a partnership bonus and receive more months of Parental Allowance.
Parents can take Parental Leave for up to three years after the birth of a child. During this time, your job is secure and your employer cannot terminate your contract. Pregnant women in Germany enjoy maternity protection. They are not allowed to work longer than six weeks before the expected date of birth and must stay at home for at least eight weeks after the birth.
- Tip: You can take Parental Leave until your child's third birthday. You can also take part of your Parental Leave between the child's third and eighth birthday.
Would you like to find out more? Then contact the Federal Employment Agency, your employer or the Parental Allowance Office [only in German] in the federal state.
THE LÄND offers good childcare and education options for your children
After Parental Leave, Baden-Württemberg offers various childcare options for young children, including all-day and crèche places, daycare centers, kindergartens and childminders. All-day and crèche places are intended for the care of small children up to the age of three and are generally in high demand. You should apply for a place as early as possible - preferably before you arrive in Germany. Daycare centers, on the other hand, look after children of different age groups all day, while kindergartens may have limited opening hours. The fees for childcare are set by the respective municipality or facility and can vary greatly. The addresses of registered childminders can be obtained from the local authority or youth welfare office.
Tips on childcare:
- In larger cities, international and multilingual childcare is also becoming increasingly common. Get an overview here.
- Many companies are offering their employees flexible childcare in daycare centers close to the workplace. Ask your employer for more information!
Compulsory schooling usually begins at the age of six. From this point onwards, children must attend school for eight or nine years, depending on the type of school. The German education system is divided into several levels: from elementary school to various secondary and vocational schools. You can find a comprehensive overview of the structure of the German school system here.
In Baden-Württemberg, attendance at public schools is generally free of charge. In addition to state schools, there are also 1,129 recognized private schools in the state. These generally charge school fees but often offer special educational concepts or international qualifications. International schools also offer families the opportunity to educate their children in a multilingual environment. Many of these institutions specifically promote cultural diversity and make it easier for children from abroad to settle in.
- Good to know: For several years now, the country has been supporting projects that help international parents with educational issues. Mentors act as a bridge between families and educational institutions, especially at transition points such as from daycare to school or from school to vocational training.
