Germany Guide

Preschool Curriculum in Germany

Everything school owners, directors, and teachers in Germany need to know about preschool standards, licensing, funding, and choosing a curriculum that meets local requirements.

National framework
Länder-specific Bildungspläne plus the federal Common Framework for Early Education
Regulator
Jugendamt (youth welfare office) of each Land
Age range
Birth to 6 years (Krippe, Kita, Kindergarten)
Typical ratios
1:4 for under-3s

Germany early learning standards

The official curriculum framework for preschools in Germany is the Länder-specific Bildungspläne plus the federal Common Framework for Early Education.

IPC supports Germany's six education areas across the Bildungspläne and bilingual Kita movements.

Public funding programs in Germany

Beitragsfreie Kita
Free or reduced Kita fees in several Länder (Berlin, Niedersachsen, Hessen and others).
Gute-KiTa-Gesetz
Federal funding to improve Kita quality across all Länder.
Elterngeld
Parental allowance during the first year of a child's life.

How IPC fits preschools in Germany

IPC gives Germany preschools 20,000+ ready-to-teach activities, lesson plans, parent reports, and assessment tools that map to Länder-specific Bildungspläne plus the federal Common Framework for Early Education. Trusted by 20,000+ schools and 60,000+ teachers across 98 countries.

Opening a new setting?

Kindergarten startup guide for Germany

From licensing and ratios to choosing a preschool curriculum, our step-by-step guide covers everything you need to open a kindergarten in Germany and align it to Länder-specific Bildungspläne plus the federal Common Framework for Early Education.

How to start a kindergarten in Germany

Frequently asked questions

What preschool curriculum is required in Germany?
Germany preschools follow Länder-specific Bildungspläne plus the federal Common Framework for Early Education. IPC supports Germany's six education areas across the Bildungspläne and bilingual Kita movements.
Who licenses preschools in Germany?
Jugendamt (youth welfare office) of each Land oversees early childhood settings in Germany.
What public funding is available for preschool in Germany?
Beitragsfreie Kita: Free or reduced Kita fees in several Länder (Berlin, Niedersachsen, Hessen and others). Gute-KiTa-Gesetz: Federal funding to improve Kita quality across all Länder. Elterngeld: Parental allowance during the first year of a child's life.
Can IPC be used as a preschool curriculum in Germany?
Yes. IPC is trusted by 20,000+ schools across 98 countries. Activities, lesson plans, and assessments map to Länder-specific Bildungspläne plus the federal Common Framework for Early Education.

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