When a child is born, there are a number of administrative procedures waiting for the parents.

Registering the child with a database called Kindernet is just as important as going to the registry office, where the birth certificate is picked up, at least in Frankfurt.

The childcare places in the Main metropolis are allocated via this central Internet platform.

After the birth, you can log in there and search for suitable childcare places for the child.

If you register your child at several institutions at the same time, you increase the chance of getting a place.

Because it is not certain that it will also work with the daycare center of your choice.

Anyone who now leans back and waits until Kindernet sends a response is making a mistake.

Because theoretically it is intended that the places will be assigned impartially according to the random principle, the waiting time or other comparable factors.

In practice, however, door-to-door calls begin again in the first year: the parents rattle through the facilities, introduce themselves, and ask questions.

Experience teaches us that commitment pays off.

fear and hope

Where can I get a place for my child?

When is it available?

Everyone who is dependent on a childcare place after the end of parental leave knows this fear and hope.

Inexperienced parents going through this phase for the first time are advised to keep their cool, as places don't fill up until January through March.

But if you don't have a childcare place for your child in May and have to go back to work after the summer, you can start to get nervous.

So far the empiricism.

A study now claims to have found out that the range of childcare options in Frankfurt is particularly good.

It is topped by Mainz, which even ranks second nationwide.

So it seems to be much worse in other cities.

That's cold consolation.

But there are doubts about the methodology.

In addition, the quantity says nothing about the quality.

Because the authors of the study have no insight into how good the staffing level is.

Many parents complain that they are entitled to a place on paper.

However, the care time is actually severely limited because there is a lack of staff.

Again and again, children have to be picked up spontaneously because care can no longer be guaranteed.

This leads to stress on all sides.

The municipalities are in competition for the educators.

Appropriate payment can help.