Düsseldorf to receive 7.8 million euros for daycare support

Düsseldorf will receive approximately 7.8 million euros in additional funding to support local daycare centers during a transition to tuition-free 35-hour childcare places. This allocation is part of a larger 200 million euro state fund distributed to local youth welfare offices for the 2026/2027 kindergarten year.

The funds are intended for daycare providers to help manage the economic challenges of the transition. Mayor Stephan Keller stated that while the move to tuition-free places is a significant step for families, providers require time and support to implement these structural changes successfully.

The city anticipates increased demand for 35-hour placements, which are set to become tuition-free starting August 1, 2027. To better meet family needs, the city is also introducing five-hour booking increments. The state's transformation funds aim to cover temporary additional costs that may arise as providers adjust their personnel and structural resources to meet changing booking patterns.