Berlin Adjusts Daycare, Teachers Push for Smaller Classes

Fewer children mean fewer caregivers. Teachers want smaller classes, but the Senate resists. What's next for Berlin's kids?

, and Administrator

2025 October 15 . 2:01 AM

1 min read

In this image there is a small baby in the cradle.

Berlin Adjusts Daycare, Teachers Push for Smaller Classes

Berlin's Senate is adjusting daycare regulations due to a decline in births, leading to a reduced care credit for under-threes. This change, not politically driven, has been implemented to maintain current standards with fewer children. Meanwhile, teachers at Berlin schools continue to push for smaller class sizes to ease workload and improve education quality.

The reduced care credit now allows one caregiver to look after four children aged under three, instead of five. This change comes as the number of students in Berlin schools declines, prompting discussions about altering the school structure. Teachers have long advocated for smaller classes, with recent strikes aimed at reducing student numbers per class through collective bargaining. However, the Senate has so far resisted these demands, declaring a planned strike illegal. As the baby boom generation ages, adjustments will also be necessary for older kids and schools to ensure foundational competencies and prepare students for future challenges.

The reduced care credit for under-threes is now in effect, with adjustments for older kids and schools expected in the future. Teachers' calls for smaller class sizes persist, despite the Senate's resistance. The Senate's adjustments to daycare regulations reflect the reality of decreasing child numbers, with no concrete improvements achieved at recent round table discussions.