During this time, it has developed into an indispensable part of the childcare system. With qualified childminders, a low childcare ratio and individual support for the children in care, it makes a valuable contribution to education and care.
Over the past half century, this area has developed steadily and gained in importance. Not only in Salzgitter, but throughout Germany from Lower Saxony to Bavaria, from urban centers to rural communities, child day care plays a crucial role for families and their children.
Child day care in Salzgitter
In Salzgitter, around 50 childminders are currently working independently and in cooperation with the Salzgitter Family Service. They offer a total of more than 220 childcare places, mainly for 1 to 3 year olds - additional care for babies to 14 year olds is possible.
A maximum of five children are cared for at the same time by one childminder. The children are looked after in suitable rooms, either in the childminder's home, in the parents' home or in specially rented rooms.
The city of Salzgitter attaches great importance to ensuring that the childminders in the city area are well trained. They are prepared for their responsible work in basic training courses, then regularly take part in further training and are advised and professionally supported by the Family Service staff in their day-to-day work. The childcare rooms are checked for safety, hygiene and equipment by the Family Service's specialist childcare advisor. A professional exchange within a practice group is available to every childminder.
The municipal child day care department is firmly anchored in the Family Service. There are currently four specialist advisors available to answer pedagogical questions and concerns regarding the promotion and placement of childminders, as well as for the areas of basic qualification and further training, public relations and networking.
Interested parents can obtain information and advice from the Family Service about childcare options for their child in a daycare center and apply for childcare funding.
The Family Service can be contacted on 05341 / 839-4562 or by e-mail at familienservicestadt.salzgitterde Further information is also available on the website www.salzgitter.de/familie/familienservice/kindertagespflege.php .
Background information:
What is child day care?
Child day care is a family-oriented and flexible form of childcare for children aged 0 to 14 years. Qualified childminders take on the responsible task of looking after, supporting and accompanying the children. In contrast to daycare centers, the care takes place in a family environment, which often gives the children a feeling of security.
The principles of this form of care are regulated in the Lower Saxony Act on Child Day Care Centers and Child Day Care (NKiTaG).
Childcare ratio and qualifications
A decisive factor for the quality of child day care is the childcare ratio. This indicates how many children a childminder may look after at the same time. In Germany, the maximum childcare ratio is 5 children per carer. This guarantees individual and intensive care for each child. A basic qualification is required to become a childminder. This includes legal principles and pedagogical knowledge. The necessary care permit is issued by the youth welfare office. In particular, this requires a first aid course for children and training in child protection. The Bundesverband für Kindertagespflege e.V. is committed to the interests and concerns of childminders and promotes quality in childcare.
Child day care until the child starts school: Individual support
A childminder often accompanies the children for several years. During this time, they develop close relationships with the children and their families. Through targeted support measures, adapted to the individual needs of each child, they make a significant contribution to their holistic development.