Overview

• Berlin counted about 171,000 children in publicly funded care on March 1, 2025, a 1.8% decline year over year, according to the state statistical office.
• Despite fewer children, approved capacity edged up 1% to nearly 198,000 places, leaving roughly 19,000 spots unused.
• Officials say some Kitas may shut if they cannot maintain occupancy, but they expect the number of closures to be small.
• The education administration reports an improved staffing ratio for under‑threes to help retain professionals and protect early‑education quality.
• Neighboring Brandenburg also reports declines, with Kita enrollment down 4.3% and far steeper drops in child day care and carers, which a sector group links to fewer births and mounting economic strain.