Introduction of the legal entitlement to all-day support for first graders
At the start of the 2026/2027 school year, first-graders will be entitled to a childcare place for the first time. It will cover eight hours from Monday to Friday - including school hours. The legal entitlement is intended to support children in their development, promote equal opportunities and contribute to the compatibility of work and family life.
In principle, this legal entitlement can be fulfilled through two models: School-based programs (e.g., all-day school or elementary school with after-school care) always take precedence. If no all-day school-based care model is available, the City of Mainz will establish a program at the school. It will commission an organization to provide this service.
Starting in the 2026–2027 school year, such a program will be available for first-graders at the following elementary schools:
Program available Monday through Friday at the following half-day schools:
- Römersteine Elementary School
- Eisgrub School
- Schillerschule
- Pestalozzi School
Additional program on Fridays at the following full-day schools:
- Ludwig-Schwamb School
- Lemmchen Elementary School
- Gleisberg Elementary School
- Feldberg School
- Goethe School
- Peter-Härtling School
- Theodor-Heuss School
All other elementary schools in Mainz will offer afternoon programs. Information about these programs is available at the schools.
Registration for the city’s full-day enrichment program is open from March 2 through April 12, 2026, via the “Kinder-Kompass Mainz” online portal. First-graders who are registered during this period are guaranteed a spot for the coming school year.
The full-day program takes place on school days immediately following classes until 4:00 p.m. The program includes a group lunch, homework assistance, and creative and physical activities.
When registering for half-day schools, parents can choose between two care models:
- Monday through Thursday until 4:00 p.m.
- Monday through Friday until 4:00 p.m.
When enrolling in full-day schools, parents can choose care on Friday afternoons until 4:00 p.m.
Registration is valid for one school year. Once registration is complete, participation is binding. The program is voluntary but subject to a fee. The participation fees for half-day schools are socially tiered and based on the parents’ income.
For supplementary Friday care at full-day schools, no income-based sliding scale is provided for organizational reasons. There, the parental fee is 50 euros per month.
The participation fees cover the school hours. In addition, there is a cost for lunch, which is billed directly by the respective caterer.
Parents can find further information on registration during the specified registration period via the City of Mainz’s online portal and on mainz.de (opens in a new tab).