The cost of place in a private luxury daycare center does not have to take over city of Munich. This was decided by federal Administrative Court in Leipzig (BVerwG 5 C 19.16) and thus contradicted a judgement of Bavarian Administration Court (VGH).

One parent had sued in Munich for proportional reimbursement of Kita costs. The plaintiffs had not found a place for ir son, and refused to accept municipal offers from day mors due to inappropriate care periods. As a result, parents had sought a place in a private daycare center. The children are offered yoga and dance classes for a price of 1,380 euros per month.

After Munich Administrative Court had dismissed claim for a refund of some of costs, VGH in second instance had judged contrary: city had to pay for difference between costs of an urban and more expensive, private daycare centre And thus pay around 1,000 euros per month. The parents would have had no alternative at last. The city of Munich had appealed against this judgment.

Entitlement to a care place is not entitled to freedom of choice

The federal administrative Court now decided that self-employed search for a day care centres was permissible, but that a cost transfer could not be required. From claim to a childcare place for children from one year on, no right to vote between a place in a daycare centre and a day mor. Youth aid institutions are not obligated to "offer child a free or at least inexpensive care place".

According to court, claim for good childcare must be "not jeopardised or even thwarted by fact that use of proven care agencies is linked to undue financial burdens". What is considered financially reasonable, however, depends on income of parents and must be examined in individual cases, which was not subject of procedure.

Date Of Update: 28 October 2017, 12:03