Applying for permission to operate a daycare center

It is advisable to seek advice from the responsible authority before submitting an application for an operating license for a daycare facility for children.

Please contact the State Office for Social Affairs, Youth and Care.

State Office for Social Affairs, Youth and Care - Daycare Centers Department

Daycare facilities for children are operated by providers, if applicable recognized providers of independent youth welfare or by municipalities

To prove that the premises are suitable for the operation of the daycare center, proof of the building permit, a building acceptance certificate or a corresponding certificate from the architect and proof that the fire prevention inspection has been carried out must be submitted prior to the start of operations. The accident insurance fund, food inspectorate and health authority must also confirm suitability. Further documents may be required in individual cases.

The application for an operating license must be submitted in good time before the start of operations; the State Office for Social Affairs, Youth and Care must be notified immediately of any changes.

Depending on the individual case

• § Section 45 Eighth Book of the Social Code (SGB VIII)
• State law on the upbringing, education and care of children in daycare facilities and in child daycare (KiTaG)
• State ordinance on the implementation of provisions of the state law on the further development of upbringing, education and care in daycare facilities and in child daycare (KiTaGAVO)

An application is required. This can only be submitted via the web-based state procedure KiDz. Access to the web-based state procedure is provided by the State Office for Social Affairs, Youth and Care.

04.01.2023