Kita places in Potsdam: vacancy reduces, but many places free!

Kita places in Potsdam: vacancy reduces, but many places free!

Potsdam, Deutschland - In Potsdam, the number of unoccupied daycare places has dropped, while the challenges in early childhood care continue to exist. Current statistics from the Social Department show that there are currently 1482 unpleasant places, including 1176 in cribs. In September 2024 there were still 3011 free places, including 1297 in cribs. This development is a result of the decline in births and a smaller move to Potsdam, which contributes to reducing the vacancy rate. The average vacancy is currently about 13%, while in September 2024 it was still 25%, which indicates a positive development. Nevertheless, the vacancy in the crib area is still worrying at 30%. A total of around 11,400 children in Potsdam could be looked after.

In detail, the number of occupancy in the cribs has changed. In Potsdam, 2768 of 3944 crèche places are currently occupied, which means a decline of 330 seats compared to the previous year. However, the distribution of the free places is different, with only 144 out of 283 places in the districts of oak, pit and Golm, while in Babelsberg-Nord 191 of 199 places are fully utilized. The daycare occupancy for children from the age of three also shows progress: 346 places are now unaffected, in September 2024 there were still 1714.

background and challenges

The falling births remain a central factor for the development of the daycare space in Potsdam. According to statistics, 1444 children were born last year, while in 1997 it was still in 1997. This negative tendency also has an impact on the availability of daycare places that have been in short supply for years, especially in sought-after districts. Timo Reimann, the chairman of the youth welfare committee, emphasizes that the sponsors come under pressure to bear high costs, despite the existing vacancies. He appeals to the need for a comprehensive reform of the daycare system to ensure the quality of the care.

In addition, the planning for the construction of new municipal daycare centers in several districts was stopped for the time being. However, daycare facilities are to be created in Krampnitz, and the establishment of a new “Research day care center FH Potsdam” is planned for 30 children, the opening of which is scheduled for the end of 2026. A new, small-scale population forecast is also expected to better assess future needs and developments in the daycare and school area.

free places in the after -school care area

Not only in the daycare centers there are different places empty, there is also a considerable potential in the after -school care area. Currently only 8509 of 9726 after -school places are occupied, which means a vacancy rate of 12.5%. Especially in the south of Potsdam and in the city center, the facilities indicate these free capacities. A new facility at the Comenius development school is scheduled to open in early 2027, while a reduction in after-school care places for the Goethe primary school and the Eisenhart School in Gutenbergstrasse is planned.