Expansion of kindergarten teaching roles in the nation: 187 new positions to be filled - Expansion of Teaching Positions: The government has revealed plans to introduce 187 new positions for educators nationwide.
In Saxony-Anhalt, the focus on early childhood education is a matter of great importance, as access to early childhood education is a right for all children, regardless of their status[1]. This emphasis on childcare and education underscores the critical need for high-quality services in the region.
Recently, there has been a discussion about the staffing needs in kindergartens, with some questioning the lack of new permanent professionals and the impact of additional kindergarten teacher positions. While specific data on additional positions in Saxony-Anhalt remains scarce, it is clear that recruiting and retaining qualified early childhood educators is essential for maintaining quality childcare services.
Minister Grimm-Benne, the Minister for Children, Youth, and Family Affairs in Saxony-Anhalt, has proposed a strategic approach to staff deployment, with positions being distributed where the need is greatest. In a move to address the issue, 187 additional kindergarten teacher positions are set to be funded next year using federal funds[2].
However, for these additional positions to be a long-term solution, they would need to be part of a broader strategy that includes sustainable funding, ongoing professional development for educators, and infrastructure improvements to support increasing demand. Grimm-Benne is also working to prevent kindergarten professionals from leaving Saxony-Anhalt for other parts of Germany[3].
Another measure being considered is the abolition of tuition fees for the training of kindergarten teachers, childcare assistants, and social assistants[4]. This move aims to encourage more individuals to pursue careers in early childhood education, potentially addressing the staffing shortage in the long run.
The funds will finance further training for around 20,000 pedagogical professionals in the context of the new education program[5]. This could improve the quality of care, but it would also cost the state significantly more money.
Left politician Nicole Anger has criticised the announcement of additional positions as a "trick," stating that they are only temporary compensation for professionals participating in further training[6]. Some politicians and associations are calling for an improvement in the staffing key, suggesting that professionals should look after fewer children[7].
Regional differences in childcare situations are acknowledged, with decisions on suitable locations being made by municipalities. Compared to the previous year, there were around 500 fewer children in the kindergartens in 2024, reflecting a broader demographic trend[8]. In 2024, 12,526 children were born in Saxony-Anhalt, a new low compared to 2016 when there were over 18,000 newborns[9].
Saxony-Anhalt will receive a total of 93.3 million euros in federal funds for the years 2025 and 2026[10]. The cabinet has approved the contract with the federal government for the implementation of the third Kita Quality Act[11].
In conclusion, while the specifics of the staffing situation in Saxony-Anhalt's kindergartens remain unclear, it is evident that addressing the staffing shortage is a pressing concern. By focusing on strategic deployment, long-term solutions, and sustainable funding, Minister Grimm-Benne aims to improve the quality of childcare services and ensure a brighter future for Saxony-Anhalt's children.
[1] Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend (2021). Kindergarten. Retrieved from:
- To strengthen the quality of early childhood education in Saxony-Anhalt, a community policy is being proposed, focusing on vocational training for kindergarten teachers, childcare assistants, and social assistants.
- In the realm of personal-finance and education-and-self-development, the abolition of tuition fees for these vocational trainings aims to encourage individuals to pursue careers in early childhood education, addressing the staffing shortage in the long run.
- Budgeting for career-development is also under consideration, as funding for ongoing professional development and infrastructure improvements are essential for retaining and attracting qualified early childhood educators.
- Policy-and-legislation is being drafted to prevent kindergarten professionals from leaving Saxony-Anhalt for other parts of Germany, ensuring that the region maintains a sustainable workforce.
- In the realm of politics, some have criticized the announcement of additional positions as temporary and insufficient, calling for an improvement in the staffing key and a reduction in the number of children each professional has to look after.
- Online-education platforms may play a crucial role in enhancing learning and skills-training for pedagogical professionals, allowing them to adapt to the changing demands of the early childhood education landscape.
