North Rhine-Westphalia kindergarten reform faces union criticism

The Kinderbildungsgesetz (KiBiz) reform slated for approval by the North Rhine‑Westphalia state parliament has drawn sharp criticism from the ver.di union. Union representatives argue that the plan locks in existing staff shortages, raises group sizes and introduces flexible childcare hours that will reduce individual attention for children and increase workload for educators. Gabriele Schmidt, ver.di’s regional leader, said, “The state government sells the KiBiz reform as a stabilization of childcare facilities, but in reality it merely codifies the conditions under which staff already have to work.”

The Education and Care Association (VBE) NRW echoed concerns, emphasizing that strong kindergartens and schools are essential for effective language promotion. VBE chairman Stefan Behlau warned that the new pre‑school courses will add organisational burdens for schools and require sufficient personnel and time to succeed. He stated, “Education begins before school – and good language support starts long before the first school day.” Both groups call for better staffing ratios, reliable funding and genuine collaboration between kindergartens and primary schools before the reform is adopted.