Child day care is a family-like and flexible form of care that can be used exclusively or in addition to other forms of care.

In addition to nurseries, daycare centers, and after-school care, childcare provided by childminders or caregivers in their own homes has been a tried and tested form of childcare for many years. Child day care is a legally recognized alternative form of care in a family-like environment and is available for all children aged 0 to 14. However, the service is primarily aimed at families with children who have not yet started attending a day care center. Until the child's second birthday, it is legally equivalent to care in a day care center.

Child day care takes place either in the home of a qualified child day care provider, in the parents' home, or in other suitable premises. Parents and child day care providers can arrange care times flexibly according to their needs. They can also agree on additional care hours.

Anyone who wants to care for children in their own home needs a childcare license. The Office for Youth and Family issues this license after assessing the personal and professional suitability of the applicant and after they have successfully completed the necessary training.

We regularly hold online information events on child day care. Parents can learn everything they need to know about the legal basis and financing of child day care. Dates are available on request from Ms. Sarah Schallenberg.

There are currently 100 daycare providers in the city of Mainz who care for around 377 children (as of April 2024).