kindergarten
In the past many holders of research scholarships have brought their children with them to Germany. Many children, particularly those from the neighbouring European countries, come here for just a few weeks or months, often during the school holidays. A large number do, however, stay here for the duration of the research post, and these children must be found a place in a kindergarten or appropriate school close to their new home.
Children go to kindergarten in Germany on a voluntary basis and can be accepted from the age of four. The kindergartens are run by the local councils, or by the Protestant or Catholic Church, as well as by organisations or initiative groups.
The availability of places in kindergartens has improved considerably in the last few years, with the result that difficulties arise only occasionally, and only in certain areas of the city. The timetable for applying for a place in a kindergarten may, however, present problems. Although the kindergarten year begins in August or September (depending on where the kindergarten is) places are allocated in early spring and children must be registered by then. If you are unable to register your child on time, you should nevertheless contact the relevant kindergarten to ask whether your child can be registered late since this is often possible, especially if the kindergarten is not already full.
Children usually go to kindergarten in the morning from 8.00 until 12.00 and/or in the afternoon from 14.00 until 17.00. Lunch is not usually provided. Some kindergartens organise children into groups depending on their age. Children aged five and six receive pre-school instruction several times a week in preparation for going to school. The cost of a place in a kindergarten presently ranges from 80 to 100 euros per month. In some kindergartens the fees are income-related. Kindergartens run by privately-financed organisations generally cost considerably more (presently around 150 to 200 Euros per month).
There is a small number of kindergartens which take children aged three and above for the whole day or nursery schools where children are looked after from 7.00 until 17.00 and are also provided with lunch. There is, however, only a very limited number of places available and the costs involved are much greater.
Day-nurseries (Kinderkrippen) cater for children aged between one and three. The demand by far outstrips the supply and, therefore, in some areas the youth welfare office (Jugendamt) allocates the available places according to the urgency of the case.
The International Office (Akademisches Auslandsamt) is currently engaged in putting together a list of suitable institutions in Erlangen and Nuremberg. Do not hesitate to ask for recommendations and advice from your colleagues and your new neighbours and acquaintances.
