Daycare needs plan 2026: Targeted adaptation of childcare services
The number of children with a legal entitlement to a childcare place in Mainz is expected to remain largely stable until 2030. At the same time, there are clear differences in the development of demand between the city districts. While many districts are now very well supplied and the number of births and zero-year-olds is declining, there is still a need for additional childcare places in some districts.
The “2026 Childcare Needs Plan with Forecasts through 2030” is now available in draft form. “Mainz remains a family-friendly and attractive city. At the same time, we must tailor our childcare services even more closely to actual needs in individual neighborhoods in the future,” explains Jana Schmöller, Head of the Department of Social Affairs and Children. “The new needs plan clearly shows that we are already well-positioned in many areas. In the future, therefore, the focus will be more on targeted management and adjustment of capacity.”
The Child Day Care Needs Plan is prepared annually with a forecast for the next five years. It analyzes the care situation in the individual city districts and presents the development broken down by age group. The needs plan will first be discussed in the Child Day Care Working Group of the Youth Welfare Committee and then submitted to the Youth Welfare Committee and the City Council.
As shown in the current needs plan, a total of 10,096 children with a legal right to childcare were living in Mainz as of the reference date of September 30, 2025. The number of children aged two to school age has fallen by about three percent over the past two years. In certain districts such as Neustadt, Gonsenheim, and Bretzenheim, a significant decline in birth rates has also been observed. Earlier forecasts of rising birth rates differ from the actual trend.
As of December 31, 2025, a total of 9,381 childcare spots were available in daycare centers, parent-run initiatives, and in home-based childcare. The citywide coverage rate currently stands at 102 percent for the Ü2 age group (children from age two until school enrollment) and at around 85 percent for the U2 age group (children up to age two).
In certain neighborhoods, there remains an additional need for childcare spots. Therefore, additional spots are to be created, particularly in Weisenau. Furthermore, new openings, adjustments to operating permits, or relocations are planned in the Oberstadt, Neustadt, and Mombach, among other areas.
The City of Mainz continues to pursue the goal of ensuring needs-based care for both the U2 and Ü2 age groups up to school age. In particular, family day care remains an important component of the care services offered for the youngest children.
Another focus of the needs plan is on inclusive care. Children with disabilities can already attend many of the city’s daycare centers today. The administration intends to further strengthen this area in the future.
In addition, the new needs plan comprehensively addresses the requirements of the Full-Day Support Act (GaFöG) for the first time. With the gradual introduction of the legal right to full-day support for elementary school children, future needs planning will also expand to include spots in afternoon support programs for elementary school children.
“Balancing family and career remains a central social challenge. That is why we want to continue developing childcare in Mainz in a way that is needs-based, reliable, and economically sustainable,” said Jana Schmöller, Head of the Social Affairs Department.