Child day care refers to the simultaneous care of one to a maximum of five children by a day carer (childminder). In order to be able to look after children in child day care, a "child day care permit" from the youth welfare office is required. Childcare is provided in close coordination with the parents and usually takes place in the childminder's home.

Childcare can also take place in the child's parents' home or in other suitable rooms.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, it is also possible for two to three childminders to join together in a group (large-scale daycare) and care for up to nine children at the same time.

For detailed information on childcare, please visit the following websites:

Early childhood education is a central component of child day care

Child day carers in North Rhine-Westphalia are qualified to educate, care for and raise children. They accompany the children in their development. They offer a wide range of educational opportunities that also promote the children's social and linguistic development in a holistic way. They plan educational activities and enable children to make their own experiences and get to know the world. In child day care, individual support and encouragement according to the inclinations and abilities of the individual child are combined in a special way with joint education and upbringing in a small group.

In the kindergarten year 2025/2026, around 68,000 daycare places were registered in North Rhine-Westphalia.

How to find a place in child day care for your child

Parents can look for a child day care provider via the local youth welfare office. The specialist advice and placement office for child day care at the youth welfare office will help you to find a suitable child day care place for your child.

Here you can find out what options are available to you and receive help in finding a suitable child day care place. During the consultation, we will discuss your childcare requirements and the placement process.

The Youth Welfare Office search makes it easier for you to find your contacts for child day care places in your area.