Overview
- On November 24 in Berlin, the KMK’s advisory commission released "Gesunde Fachkräfte, gute Bildung," calling for investment in staff health to end a cycle of shortages and sick leave that weakens care quality.
- Recommendations include staffing ratios that account for real absenteeism and turnover and dedicated time for training, preparation and collaboration with parents.
- The paper also urges regular training in health, self- and emotion-regulation and the creation of alternative career paths to retain experienced educators.
- The commission says falling birthrates can ease shortages and, with regional differences, should be used to improve working conditions rather than reduce capacity.
- It warns that the new legal right to full‑day care for first graders starting next school year will add staffing demand, especially in West Germany, and notes DAK data showing nearly 30 sick days in 2023 for childcare workers versus about 20 across professions.