7.7 million euros for a modern daycare center in Altbach – groundbreaking today!

7.7 million euros for a modern daycare center in Altbach – groundbreaking today!

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new building of a modern daycare center in Altbach took place on June 12, 2025. With an investment volume of 7.7 million euros, the new facility is intended to set future-oriented standards for early childhood education and sustainable infrastructure. The decision to build was made by the local council in September 2024 after the examination of a conversion of the former school revealed that the building structure no longer meets current requirements. The new building will offer space for a total of four groups in order to meet the increasing need for childcare places. For the first time, the community takes over ownership of the facility and becomes the owner of the property, which represents an important innovation for the local education system. Esslinger newspaper reports on this important step in local child care.

The need for such a new building can also be seen in the context of nationwide efforts to expand child day care. The federal government has been supporting the states since 2008 with various investment programs that have so far created more than 750,000 additional places for children up to school age. The fifth investment program is currently providing one billion euros for the expansion of 90,000 additional childcare places, which is primarily part of the response to the challenges following the corona pandemic. These programs are intended not only to increase children's chances of participation, but also to promote the compatibility of family and work for parents. According to the latest figures, the care rate for children under three has increased from 17.6% in 2008 to 36.4% in 2023. BMFSFJ emphasizes that the quality of the offerings should also be improved through the Daycare Quality Act and other measures.

Investments in the future

With the new building in Altbach, the community is not only positioning itself as a pioneer in early childhood education, but is also closing a gap in the current care offering. The need to push ahead with expansion is undisputed - especially in the western German states, where the need for daycare centers is high. The regional responsibility for financing lies primarily with the states and municipalities, which are relieved by the federal funds. BMFSFJ points out that promoting early childhood education is a crucial step towards equal opportunities for all children.

The newly created space in Altbach not only provides needs-based offerings, but also lays a solid foundation for early educational support. The new daycare building shows that the community is investing in the future of its children and is therefore giving them better opportunities for their future educational and career paths. This is a positive signal for the entire region and underlines the urgency with which the gaps in early care provision must be closed.