Operators sounded the alarm in the Social Affairs Committee of the Bavarian state parliament on Thursday. The planned changes to BayKiBig would hit so-called large daycare centers particularly hard, where up to ten children are cared for by several childminders together with a social pedagogue. Until now, these facilities were funded analogously to daycare centers—with supplements for children with disabilities or language support needs.
In the future, there will only be a uniform flat rate per child paid out via the youth welfare offices. Julia Smolka, head of the large daycare center Woidspotzn in Zwiesel, traveled to Munich specifically to draw attention to the situation. She fears that the flat rate will be less tailored than the current system.
In addition, the reform is set to delete Article 20a of BayKiBig—a quality subsidy that Green Party member of the state parliament Johannes Becher describes as a kind of quality bonus for daycare facilities. Until now, the state government paid this subsidy, with municipalities contributing half. In the future, the state share will flow directly into the flat rate to reduce bureaucracy. According to Becher, it remains unclear whether municipalities will continue to pay their share—a major uncertainty for parents and operators.
The SPD and Greens applied in the committee to maintain the proven regulations. However, a majority of the CSU and Free Voters rejected this. Committee chair Doris Rauscher (SPD) warned: “Without necessity, proven funding structures are being torn down with a wrecking ball; many childminders and large daycare centers face the end of their professional careers.” Becher called for at least a postponement of the new rules so that ongoing care contracts do not have to be terminated mid-year.
Source: www.sueddeutsche.de
