A Betreuungsgutschein (childcare voucher) is a document from the Jugendamt (Youth Welfare Office). It shows whether your child can get a place in a Kita (daycare center) or eFöB (after-school care; colloquially also Hort) and who pays for the childcare.
The Jugendamt pays for childcare differently depending on your child’s age and situation:
- For children in a Kita or eFöB (grades 1–3), the childcare is fully covered.
- For children in eFöB (grades 4–6), the Jugendamt covers part of the cost, depending on your income and your childcare needs.
You can find the application for a Betreuungsgutschein online. Apply as early as possible, but no later than 3 months before the childcare is supposed to start. Submit your application to the Jugendamt responsible for your place of residence. The voucher can be used at public and private childcare facilities.
Kitagutschein (daycare voucher) | application form
eFÖB (after-school care) | application form
A Betreuungsgutschein is an official document from the Jugendamt. It includes information such as:
- your child’s name
- the type of childcare
- the number of hours of childcare
- the period for which the voucher is valid
