The recent Bertelsmann Foundation study highlights significant disparities in the ratio of qualified professionals in daycare centers across Germany. Hamburg ranks poorly, with only 63.9% of daycare staff being qualified professionals, second-lowest after Bavaria, which has the lowest ratio at 54.5%. In stark contrast, eastern German states like Thuringia (94%), Saxony (92%), and Brandenburg (91%) lead with the highest percentages of qualified staff.
The study underscores the need for robust and consistent funding from both federal and state governments to enhance the quality of early childhood education. Uniform staffing standards are crucial, as the ratio of qualified professionals is a key determinant of daycare quality. Despite the national average of 72%, some regions, particularly in the southwest like Baden-Württemberg, show considerable variation, with some areas like Ulm drastically below the average.
To address these inequalities, the study calls for investments in quality standards and formal qualifications for daycare staff. It warns against the trend of de-professionalization, emphasizing that a lack of appropriate qualifications can compromise the educational foundation provided to young children. The findings suggest a pressing need for policy interventions to ensure equitable early childhood education across the country.
