Kita Windrädchen in Mühlbach on the verge of closure: birth crisis hits Frankenberg

Kita Windrädchen in Mühlbach on the verge of closure: birth crisis hits Frankenberg

In Frankenberg, a city in the heart of central Saxony, demographic developments cast a dark shadow over childcare. A dramatic decline in birth rates has been reported Blick.de: From over 100 newborns per year a few years ago, only around 55 children remain each year. This alarming development has meant that local daycare centers and crèches are often not even close to capacity.

There are currently 233 crèche and 502 kindergarten places available for the youngest citizens in Frankenberg, many of which remain empty. With a surplus of 99 crèche and 60 kindergarten places, the need is no longer met. Forecasts up to the 2030/31 school year indicate a further decline in the number of places required: 126 crèche and 279 kindergarten places are expected to be required in the near future.

Difficult decisions for the “Windrädchen” daycare center

The situation at the “Windrädchen” daycare center in the Mühlbach district is particularly worrying, where there are only two registrations for the coming daycare year 2026/27. In order to maintain stable operations, the facility would need between five and ten registrations per year. The decision as to whether the daycare center will be closed is due to be made at the end of 2025, which poses major challenges for the affected families and the team.

At least in the transition phase, the city will try to offer socially acceptable solutions. Educators could be transferred to other institutions; termination is not planned. “We keep communication with the parents’ council and the daycare staff transparent,” assures Mayor Gerstner.

Demographic trends in eastern Germany

The situation in Frankenberg is not an isolated case. A look across national borders shows similar trends. Loud ZDF.de Daycare centers in Thuringia also face the same problem: the birth rate there has fallen by 52 percent in the last few decades. For example, the “Pinoccio” daycare center in Erfurt is struggling with only 10 registered children while 35 places are available.

Demographic change has many facets - from the frightening decline in potential mothers (in Frankenberg this number has fallen by almost 50% since the 1980s) to the economic and social uncertainties that accompany this development. The Free State of Thuringia is also trying to counteract this with new family projects, but the challenges remain.

A possible solution for communities could be to create family-friendly offerings that attract young families. For example, the municipality of Bad Tabarz is planning a children's and youth campus to reverse the demographic trend.

It currently remains to be seen how those responsible in Frankenberg and other affected cities will react to the uncertain demographic future and the challenges that come with this development. One thing is clear: seamless care and the creation of quality of life for families will be a central task in the coming years.