Hamburg places early childhood education at the heart of its vision for social equality. Since 2014, children from age one are entitled to five hours of free childcare daily, regardless of parental employment status ([Reference 1]). The “Hamburger Bildungsempfehlungen” ([Reference 2]) guide kindergartens with a strong focus on language development, intercultural learning, and personal responsibility.
Moreover, Hamburg has pioneered the “Early Excellence Centers” model ([Reference 3]), integrating childcare, parental support, and social services under one roof. This holistic approach ensures that children’s needs—emotional, social, and educational—are addressed in tandem.
Particular attention is given to children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds, with specialized language support programs like “Frühe Chancen” (“Early Opportunities”). Many Kitas actively promote bilingual education (especially German-English, German-Portuguese).
Hamburg’s commitment to early education reflects a belief that every child, regardless of background, deserves a strong start. As a kindergarten director, I find this integrated model particularly compelling—a reminder that high-quality education and social support must go hand in hand to nurture each child’s potential fully.

References:

• [1] Hamburg Authority for Labor, Social Affairs, Family and Integration: Free Childcare Policy Overview

• [2] Hamburger Bildungsempfehlungen für die Bildung und Erziehung von Kindern bis zum Schuleintritt (2021)

• [3] Early Excellence Centers Hamburg Initiative

ハンブルクは、幼児教育を社会的平等実現の核と位置づけています。2014年より、すべての1歳以上の子どもに対し、親の就労状況に関わらず、1日5時間の無償保育が保証されています（ハンブルク労働・社会・家族統合局）。
「ハンブルク教育ガイドライン（Hamburger Bildungsempfehlungen）」に基づき、言語発達、多文化理解、自己責任の育成が教育の中心に据えられています。
また「アーリー・エクセレンス・センター（Early Excellence Centers）」という革新的なモデルを推進し、保育・家庭支援・社会サービスを一体化した支援体制を整備しています。
多文化・多言語環境への配慮も厚く、「フリューエ・チャンセン（Frühe Chancen＝早期機会）」プログラムにより、特別な言語支援が提供されています。ドイツ語×英語、ドイツ語×ポルトガル語のバイリンガル教育も広がりを見せています。
子どもたち一人ひとりの可能性を最大限に引き出すためには、教育と社会的支援が一体であるべきだというハンブルクの姿勢は、私たちにとっても大きな示唆を与えてくれます。

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is known for its structured and high-quality approach to early childhood education. While daycare is not entirely free as in Berlin, significant subsidies are available through programs such as the “Münchner Förderformel,” which adjusts parental fees according to income levels ([Reference 1]).
Early childhood education here emphasizes readiness for school (“Schulfähigkeit”), but within a nurturing, child-centered framework. According to the Bavarian Educational and Upbringing Plan (“Bayerischer Bildungs- und Erziehungsplan,” [Reference 2]), focus areas include language development, social-emotional skills, and early introduction to music and arts.
Moreover, Bavaria’s “Familienpakt Bayern” initiative ([Reference 3]) actively supports family-friendly structures, encouraging flexible care models to accommodate working parents. Many kindergartens offer mixed-age groupings (“altersgemischte Gruppen”) to promote social learning.
Munich’s educational philosophy respects both tradition and innovation: valuing structured play, early responsibility, and fostering independence from a young age. As a kindergarten director, I am impressed by Munich’s careful balance between preparing children academically and cultivating their well-being—a model that combines educational excellence with human warmth.

References:

• [1] City of Munich: Münchner Förderformel Overview

• [2] Bayerischer Bildungs- und Erziehungsplan für Kinder (0–10 Jahre)

• [3] Familienpakt Bayern – Family Support Initiative