Germany passes major daycare reform including mandatory child development tests

The German Federal Cabinet has passed the ‘Startchancen- und Qualitätsentwicklungsgesetz’ (Start Opportunities and Quality Development Act), a major educational reform aimed at increasing equity. A central component of the law is a mandatory nationwide language and development test for all children by the age of four, regardless of whether they attend a daycare center (Kita).

The assessment will evaluate German language proficiency, mathematical abilities, as well as social-emotional and motor development. Federal Education Minister Karin Prien described the initiative as a potential ‘gamechanger’ for educational justice, noting that deficits can be corrected more easily at this age.

To support the implementation, at least ten percent of daycare centers in each federal state will receive additional staffing. Priority for these resources will be given to facilities serving families with financial needs, those where German is not the primary language spoken at home, or where children exhibit linguistic difficulties. The level of support provided to an institution will be determined by its size.