Right to Full-Day Care

With the Act on Full-Day Support for Elementary School-Age Children (GaFöG), the federal government has enshrined the right to full-day education and care in law: Starting in August 2026, all first-grade elementary school students will initially be entitled to full-day support. This entitlement will be expanded by one grade level each year thereafter. Starting in August 2029, every elementary school student from first grade through the beginning of fifth grade will be entitled to full-day care.

Many students are already taking advantage of the opportunities offered by full-day programs and after-school care at school. Almost all schools now offer voluntary educational and after-school care programs that go beyond the scope and hours of mandatory instruction. By the 2028–29 school year, the existing programs will be further expanded to meet the growing demand for full-day care.

The entitlement to full-day care outside of class time includes eight hours of support per day on all five weekdays. Class time is included in this total. Students should complete their homework—as far as possible—during the full-day program.

The full-day program also includes extracurricular clubs, academic support and recreational activities, physical activity, games, and sports, as well as cultural activities. These activities are organized by the school in collaboration with youth services, cultural and sports organizations, and other partners. Parents and students have a say in shaping these activities.

• The full-day program offers expanded educational opportunities—for example, in social learning—to complement classroom instruction.
• The full-day program gives your child more time to build on the based on their talents and needs to strengthen their individual and social development within the framework of full-day education.
• In an all-day program, your child can receive individualized support beyond regular class time, as the program can better accommodate your child’s individual learning pace and ability.
• When all children participate in the full-day program, the school day can be structured differently, for example, by alternating between periods of concentration and relaxation.
• All-day schooling improves opportunities for participation for everyone. All students have more opportunities to take part in sports and cultural activities.
• The full-day program makes learning more diverse. It incorporates learning locations outside of school, such as museums and businesses, as well as cooperation with external partners like associations, clubs, or child and youth welfare services.
• In an all-day program, greater emphasis can be placed on topics such as social learning and democracy education, for example, through student involvement in shaping school life.
• For parents, reliable care at school means a better work-life balance. This is because all-day care helps fill gaps in childcare that may arise after daycare hours end.