In everyday German, people often say “Tagesmutter” (childminder). Officially, we are recognised early-years educators in family day care: we look after a small group of up to 10 children in a family atmosphere and are publicly funded through the youth welfare office. We are not a Kita (daycare centre) in the classical sense.
Both routes are equally valid. Which one suits better depends on your child and your family. Here you will find the most important differences.
The most important differences
We only state information that can be backed up by official sources.
Comparison of family day care and Kita
Feature
Family day care
Kita
Where is care provided?
In the childminder’s home or in rented premises.
In a day care centre.
How many children?
One childminder looks after up to five children. Two people working together can look after up to ten children, as we do.
The State of Berlin sets the staffing levels and has been improving them step by step since 2026.
Who checks suitability?
The youth welfare office grants the permit and checks the person’s suitability and the premises.
The Kita supervisory authority of the State of Berlin.
Educational basis
Berlin Educational Programme.
Berlin Educational Programme.
Access
Kita voucher from the youth welfare office.
Kita voucher from the youth welfare office.
Costs for parents
Free of charge; catering contribution of 23 euros a month (waived with berlinpass-BuT).
Free of charge; catering contribution of 23 euros a month (waived with berlinpass-BuT).
Age of the children
Family day care is aimed primarily at children under three. With us: from birth until school entry.
Until school entry.
Who does family day care suit?
Many families choose us because they value these things:
a small, manageable group of no more than 10 children,
our own rented premises instead of a private flat: a bright corner shop with three rooms,
two permanent educators who know their children well,
a mixed-age group in which the children learn from one another,
a family-style setting with shared daily life, cooking and outings.
A large setting with many groups and activities, on the other hand, may be the better choice for other families. Look at both and trust your feeling.
What is special about us
We provide care in rented premises. Our bright corner shop has 105 square metres and three rooms (two play rooms and a sleeping room), only about five minutes from Innsbrucker Platz.
Until school entry with us: If you wish, your child stays in the same group with familiar caregivers from settling-in on. A change at age three is not compulsory, and a second settling-in is then not needed.
Admission from birth until school entry. As a result we usually have a mixed-age group.
Pre-school from the 5th year of life with quiet work, swing exercises, numbers, letters and board games.
BeoKiz portfolio: For each child we document development using the Berlin procedure. Your child receives the portfolio at the end of the care period.
Freshly cooked every day, taking allergies and intolerances into account, plus breakfast and an afternoon snack.
Two educators working together, who stand in for each other when one is ill.
Would you like to get to know us? We are in Berlin-Schöneberg, only a few minutes from Innsbrucker Platz. Send us a non-binding place request. We usually reply within 24 hours.
