After-School Battle

Q

School ends at 1:00 PM but I work until 5:00 PM. How do I get care for my child?

A

You must apply for a Hort-Gutschein (care voucher) through your local Jugendamt. This voucher covers the costs for Hort (after-school care), usually located at or near the school.

Tips

Apply at least 6-9 months before the school year starts. You will need a Bedarfsnachweis (proof of need), such as work contracts from both parents or a university enrollment certificate, to prove you cannot be home at 1:00 PM.

Real Talk

ドイツの公立小学校は全日制（Ganztagsschule）が標準ではなく、午前中で授業が終了する学校が多い。放課後預かり（Hort）は別組織であり、利用券（Gutschein）を取得しても、都市部（ベルリン、ミュンヘン等）では待機児童が多く、席が確約されないケースがある。