Extended Kita-Helfer Program Sparks Criticism Over Finances
The state government has proposed extending the popular Kita-Helfer program until mid-2026, along with adjustments to the financial support provided to daycare facilities. In a letter to daycare providers, the Ministry of Family Affairs stated, "The state government is continuing the successful Kita-Helfer:innen program - subject to the approval of the budget legislator." However, this new funding scheme has led to criticism from the SPD opposition.
According to the Ministry's letter, obtained by the German Press Agency, funds will be provided as a fixed sum of 1500 euros per month starting next year. Previously, funding was provided on a pro-rata basis, with a maximum amount of 1698 euros per month. Some daycare centers, as per the Association of Towns and Municipalities, will receive around 200 euros less per month under the new system.
The Kita-Helfer program offers support to daycare staff with everyday tasks, such as implementing hygiene rules, kitchen duties, or organizing excursions and events. The program was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and is currently deployed in around 9800 daycare centers across the state.
The Ministry of Family Affairs pointed out that the new funding would be less bureaucratic and offer planning security until July 31, 2026. However, the SPD's family policy spokesperson in the state parliament, Dennis Maelzer, criticized the new funding as "disrespectful towards daycare workers." He stated that with no new funding guidelines, many daycare helpers will need to register as unemployed from January 1, 2024, as a precaution.
Maelzer argued that the funding changes would result in reduced hours and potential layoffs for daycare centers due to the added financial burden. "The announcement that funding will now be cut has nothing to do with appreciation," he said.
