State goes on the offensive

281 new children’s groups: Children in good hands

750 million euros will be invested in the expansion of childcare. Hundreds of new groups are being created.(Bild: stock.adobe.com null)

281 new kindergarten groups and 84 new daycare groups are currently being created to improve the compatibility of family and career. 212 million euros have already been invested.

It is a clear commitment to families. Especially to mothers. Numerous measures have already been implemented with the 750 million euro childcare package: this year, for example, closing days in summer have already been reduced from three to one week. The admission of two-year-olds to local kindergartens has also already begun. The focus is currently on a nationwide, needs-based expansion of childcare places.

Provincial Councillor Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister(Bild: NLK Pfeiffer)

"Parents should not have to worry about the compatibility of family and career when it comes to high-quality childcare," explains Christiane Teschl-Hofmeister. For the Provincial Councillor, the blue and yellow education and childcare offensive has opened a new chapter in history.

Further expansion until 2027
To date, 281 new kindergarten and 84 new daycare groups as well as 25 new exercise rooms have been supported by funding. 212 million euros have already been invested. Regular operations for two-year-olds have also been implemented, as well as more specialist staff and smaller groups for toddlers. By 2027, around 600 additional kindergarten and 250 additional daycare groups are to be created as part of the offensive.

Anchoring child protection in pedagogical action
A particular concern for Teschl-Hofmeister is the framework concept for a new child protection guideline: In future, each kindergarten is to draw up an individual concept in order to "offer protection and safety from any kind of boundary violation", according to the state councillor.