A Wide Range of Childcare Options in Erlangen

Erlangen offers a diverse range of school-based and after-school care options that have developed over the years. These include structured and open all-day programs, lunch supervision, after-school care centers, and study rooms. These programs form an important foundation for supporting families in balancing family life, work, caregiving, and employment.

With the legal entitlement taking effect in the 2026–2027 school year, the city will benefit from this established range of care options. “Based on the feedback received so far, all first-graders for whom a need has been registered will be offered an all-day spot in the 2026–2027 school year,” explains Dieter Rosner, the official in charge of Youth, Family, and Social Affairs. “Based on the current feedback, we can assume that the legal entitlement can be fulfilled.”

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Childcare services in Erlangen are already being used extensively: About 83 percent of children attend an all-day program. A total of 3,318 childcare spots will be available for 2026. Overall, the city assesses the supply situation as solid.

Further Efforts Needed

At the same time, there is still a need for adjustments in certain areas. According to the Youth Welfare Office, further efforts will be necessary, particularly with an eye toward the coming years. “This applies above all to the next few years, when more children will gain a legal entitlement year after year. This is because the legal entitlement is being gradually extended to additional age groups,” said Rosner.

Demand for childcare spots in Erlangen is high due to the city’s stable economic situation and its location within the Nuremberg metropolitan region. The city anticipates a long-term childcare need of approximately 90 percent overall. “It has been and remains a major undertaking to fully meet the legal entitlement. The city is continuously working to improve the supply situation. The Youth Welfare Office, the School Administration Office, the State School Authority, and all other stakeholders have made this their shared goal,” Rosner emphasized.

Ensuring Comprehensive Child Care

Mayor Jörg Volleth explains: “The fact that we can offer full-day care to all first-graders with registered needs as the legal entitlement takes effect is a significant achievement. At the same time, it remains our responsibility to reliably expand existing childcare services and to use available resources responsibly. In this way, we aim to ensure comprehensive and needs-based childcare for families in Erlangen in the years to come.”