Overview

• A recent study highlights that 82.5% of NRW Kitas fail to meet recommended staff-to-child ratios, with one staff member often overseeing 5.3 children under three years old instead of the recommended 1:3 ratio.
• Over 60% of Kita leaders report operating with insufficient staff for extended periods, with nearly 16.4% experiencing understaffing for over seven months.
• Nature-based education, deemed essential for child development, remains underutilized due to staffing shortages, with 71% of leaders citing lack of personnel as a barrier.
• The NRW government has increased Kita staff by 4,000 in 2024 and implemented measures like foreign worker recruitment and training programs, but systemic issues persist.
• Opposition leaders call for comprehensive reforms, including reduced administrative burdens, increased funding, and better support for specialized programs like inclusion and nature education.