Hamburg Kitas Face Staff Shortages Amid Flu Season

Efforts to recruit educators from Italy highlight the increasing strain on childcare services in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein.

Childcare facilities in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein are experiencing significant educator shortages, exacerbated by seasonal illnesses.
Some Kitas in Schleswig-Holstein have been forced to close groups due to a lack of qualified staff and high illness rates among employees.
Elbkinder-Kitas in Hamburg are actively recruiting educators from Italy to fill approximately 130 open positions for pedagogical staff.
High infection rates in autumn and winter further intensify the staffing crisis, leading to temporary closures in some facilities.
The Schleswig-Holstein government is working on measures to alleviate the shortage, including financing additional positions and easing hiring requirements.