After-School Programs & (Open) All-Day Care

In some federal states, after-school care for schoolchildren is still provided at “Horten” facilities, which are either directly attached to schools or located nearby. After-school care has traditionally been part of child and youth services and combines care, education, and upbringing. At many facilities, children can have breakfast before classes begin, are provided with lunch, and receive help with their homework and any learning difficulties.

In places where after-school programs are administratively part of the school system or where full-day programs are offered directly at schools, the facilities are often located on school grounds. The physical proximity facilitates collaboration between teachers and educational specialists.

Open All-Day School

The transition from traditional after-school care to open all-day schools is now seamless. In open all-day programs , parents often only cover the cost of lunch or additional recreational activities, such as sports, music, or theater. This development is in line with the goals of the nationwide investment program “Zukunft Bildung und Betreuung” (Future of Education and Child Care), which is driving the expansion of full-day education and child care services.

In many federal states, full-day programs are being continuously expanded to improve educational opportunities and make it easier to balance family and work. In addition to schools and school districts, youth welfare services, extracurricular partners, as well as children, adolescents, and parents are involved in the planning and implementation.