Baden-Württemberg’s childcare crisis pushes mothers out of the workforce

Middle-class parents are drowning in rising childcare bills. Without state relief, experts warn of a workforce exodus and widening inequality.

, and Administrator

2025 November 7 . 5:18 AM

1 min read

The picture is taken in a local playground in the locality of houses. in the foreground of the... — The picture is taken in a local playground in the locality of houses. in the foreground of the picture there are children skiing. in the center of the picture there are three kids and two chairs. in the background there are buildings, trees, benches, poles and a basketball court.

Kindergarten Fees Skyrocket - Parents Sound Alarm - Baden-Württemberg’s childcare crisis pushes mothers out of the workforce

Soaring childcare costs in Baden-Württemberg are forcing many mothers to leave the workforce, according to LEBK spokesperson Anna Radermacher. Parents face sharp increases, with some cities charging over €800 per month.

Daycare fees vary greatly across the region. Stuttgart, for instance, could see full-day care for children under three rise to 387 euros by 2030/31, potentially jumping to 828 euros per month. In Kirchheim, fees will increase from 334 euros in 2025 to 514 euros in 2027. Friedrichshafen and Tübingen are also raising parent contributions due to budget constraints. The State Parents’ Council demands immediate relief, urging the state to gradually take over funding. Middle-income earners, particularly the lower middle class, struggle to keep up with the rising expenses. The SPD's proposal for free childcare was recently rejected in the state parliament.

Thousands of parents in Baden-Württemberg grapple with sharply higher childcare costs, with some cities charging over €800 per month. Middle-income earners are particularly affected, leading to calls for state intervention and fee relief.