Childcare in family settings is a family-supportive and close-to-home form of childcare provided by childminders, especially for children under three years old or in cases of special or additional care needs. In the state capital of Potsdam, this is offered alongside the provision of places in childcare centers (hereinafter referred to as Kita) as an equally important option.
With the law to strengthen childcare in the state of Brandenburg, the childcare services in Potsdam have been open since August 1, 2023, to children from the completed third year of life until they start school, as well as to after-school care children.
In the context of childcare in family settings, children are cared for in the household of the childminder, in the household of the legal guardians, or in other suitable spaces. This form of care ensures the compatibility of family and work and, like child day care centres and after-school care, meets the child's legal entitlement to education, upbringing, care, and provision. Childcare in family settings allows for family-oriented care in small groups of up to five (aged 0-3 years) or up to eight children (aged 3 to 6 years).
The foundation for this form of care is a trusting collaboration between childminders and parents, as well as close communication and binding agreements regarding the organization of daily life and educational matters. Childminders in Potsdam are self-employed and hold a permit according to § 43 SGB VIII in conjunction with § 26 of the Childcare Act. The suitability of the childminders and their facilities is verified in a licensing process by the supervisory authority for childcare.
If parents wish to have their child cared for in a family childcare setting, they can register directly through the website Kita-Portal or contact a free provider (see below) for childcare. The free providers have been commissioned by the state capital of Potsdam to provide advice and facilitate placements in family childcare.
- Do you want to have your child cared for in a family childcare setting?
In a family childcare setting, with up to five children (aged 0-3 years) or eight children (aged 3-6 years), creates particularly good conditions to address the individual or special needs of children in these age groups. We encourage you to consider the small, family-oriented environment of family childcare as a first step into external care after a protected parental leave. Here, your child has the opportunity to experience particularly positive attachment experiences during the sensitive early years of life.
This option of child day care is characterized by a consistent caregiver and, for the age group up to three years, by a small group of children. This special care situation allows your child to be better recognized with their individual needs. The childminder can take the time necessary and act with special attention in caring for your child. This security in care positively influences your child's learning and development processes.
- Fees
A parent contribution is charged for the care provided by a childcare provider. The amount of the contribution is regulated in the fee schedule for the use of childcare services in family childcare settings in the state capital of Potsdam (Family Childcare Fee Schedule).
- What free providers for family childcare are available?
FidL–Frauen in der Lebensmitte gGmbH
Geschäftsstelle
Alleestraße 1
14469 Potsdam
T: 0331 - 86 75 00 88
tagespflege@fidl.de
www.fidl.de
--------------Die Kinderwelt gGmbH
Kindertagespflege
Marlene-Dietrich-Allee 15
14482 Potsdam
T: 0331 - 70 476 - 0
kindertagespflege@die-kinderwelt.com
www.die-kinderwelt.com
--------------Treffpunkt Fahrland e. V.
Geschäftsstelle
Ketziner Strasse 52
14476 Potsdam
Mobil: 0151-25964670
kindertagespflege@treffpunkt-fahrland.de
www.treffpunkt-fahrland.de- Are you interested in working as a childcare provider?
To begin working as a childminder, a permit is required in accordance with § 43 SGB VIII in conjunction with § 26 of the Childcare Act. This permit is limited to five years.
The application for the issuance of the permit for family childcare must be submitted to the specialist advisory service for family childcare in the Department of Children, Youth, and Family in Potsdam. The advisory service for family childcare is available for comprehensive information and advice on all topics relevant to family childcare.
Expenses incurred as a self-employed childcare provider are continuously reimbursed in Potsdam. According to the guidelines for family childcare, childcare providers in Potsdam are compensated based on their qualifications and a financing structure oriented towards the tariff system of social and educational services. Additionally, reasonable costs for material expenses are reimbursed. Financing for vacation and sick days, insurance benefits, retirement provisions, as well as accident and liability insurance are also regulated.
Furthermore, professional advice and support in family childcare are also important pillars. Childcare providers in Potsdam are supported by practice-oriented professional advice from free providers (see above) of youth welfare. The advisory service of the free providers supports the practice of childcare providers through conceptual suggestions, the provision of (early) educational expertise, and regular peer consultation. Additionally, the advisory service assists in networking with other childcare providers and Kita facilities in the social and planning area.
