Introduction of the legal entitlement to all-day support for first graders
At the start of the 2026/2027 school year, first-graders will be entitled to a childcare place for the first time. It will cover eight hours from Monday to Friday - including school hours. The legal entitlement is intended to support children in their development, promote equal opportunities and contribute to the compatibility of work and family life.
This legal entitlement can generally be fulfilled through two models: school-based programs (e.g., all-day schools or elementary schools with extended care) always take precedence. If no all-day school-based care model is available, the City of Mainz will establish a program at the school. It will commission a provider to do so.
Starting in the 2026/2027 school year, such a program will be available for first-graders at the following elementary schools:
Program available Monday through Friday at the following half-day schools:
- Römersteine Elementary School
- Eisgrub School
- Schillerschule
- Pestalozzi School
Additional program on Fridays at the following full-day schools:
- Ludwig-Schwamb School
- Lemmchen Elementary School
- Gleisberg Elementary School
- Feldberg School
- Goethe School
- Peter Härtling School
- Theodor-Heuss School
All other elementary schools in Mainz will offer afternoon programs. Information about these programs is available at the schools.
Registration for the city’s all-day support program is open from March 2 through April 12, 2026, via the “Kinder-Kompass Mainz” online portal. First-graders who are registered during this period are guaranteed a spot for the coming school year.
The all-day program takes place on school days following classes until 4:00 p.m. The program includes a shared lunch, homework supervision, and creative and physical activities.
When registering for half-day schools, parents can choose between two care models:
- Monday through Thursday until 4:00 p.m.
- Monday through Friday until 4:00 p.m.
When registering for full-day schools, parents can choose care on Friday afternoons until 4:00 p.m.
Registration is valid for one school year. Once registered, participation is binding. The program is voluntary but subject to a fee. Participation fees for half-day schools are socially tiered and based on parents’ income.
For supplementary Friday care at full-day schools, no sliding scale is provided for organizational reasons. There, the parental contribution is 50 euros per month.
The participation fees cover the school hours. In addition, there are costs for lunch, which are billed directly by the respective caterer.
Parents can find further information on registration during the specified registration period via the City of Mainz’s online portal as well as on mainz.de (opens in a new tab).