Funding for childcare, falling birth rates, and changing requirements for skilled staff are shaping current developments in the DACH region.
In Switzerland, new figures from Geneva show how cantonal and municipal funding models finance childcare. At the same time, the current federal funding programme is set to expire at the end of 2026. Germany is experiencing a shift in demand for childcare and staffing needs, while a new Austrian analysis highlights the importance of family-friendly childcare hours.
The key points at a glance
Switzerland: Geneva presents new funding figures. CHF 26.46 million was distributed to municipalities in 2025 through the cantonal preschool childcare fund.
Germany: Falling birth rates are reshaping the daycare landscape and increasingly also the job market for childcare workers.
Austria: There are clear regional links between full-time-compatible childcare and women's part-time employment.
Switzerland – focus on French-speaking Switzerland
1. Geneva: CHF 26.46 million for municipal preschool childcare
On 7 October, the Geneva Council of State approved the 2025 annual financial statement of the Fondation pour le développement de l'accueil préscolaire (FDAP).
A total of CHF 26.46 million was distributed to municipalities through the cantonal fund. By the end of 2025, nearly 7,900 childcare places in daycares and organised family daycare in the canton of Geneva were municipally subsidised.
The set reference amounts were CHF 9,300 per subsidised place in facilities with extended care offerings, and CHF 4,650 in coordinated family daycare.
Why does this matter?
These figures highlight the importance of cantonal and municipal funding models for childcare. Public funds support not only expansion, but also the financing of existing care structures.
For daycare providers, such funding mechanisms are central to financial planning. At the same time, Geneva shows just how differently childcare financing is organised across Switzerland.
You can find out which factors influence childcare costs and what support options are available in our guide on daycare costs in Switzerland.
[Source: Canton of Geneva, Council of State communication of 7 October 2026]
2. Swiss federal funding: final applications until end of December 2026
The federal government's current impulse programme to promote family-supplementary childcare is set to expire at the end of 2026.
According to the Federal Social Insurance Office, applications can still be submitted until 30 December 2026, subject to the relevant funding requirements.
In December 2025, parliament passed the successor law, UKibeG. Among other things, it provides for a childcare allowance and financial assistance for the cantons. The date it will come into force has not yet been set.
Why does this matter?
For daycare providers with eligible projects, the remaining deadline is important. At the same time, it remains unclear when the new funding instruments will take effect. This transition period creates planning uncertainty around public support.
[Source: Federal Social Insurance Office – UKibeG]
3. New federal study: families with children with disabilities face significant financial strain
A study published in early October, commissioned by the federal government, examines the financial situation of families with children with disabilities.
For the group studied, the average disability-related loss of earnings was around CHF 23,400 per year. Taking into account financial benefits and direct additional costs, the cost-benefit balance examined shows an average remaining burden of around CHF 15,100 per year.
These figures relate to a specific group of families and cannot be applied to all families with children with disabilities.
Why does this matter?
Inclusive childcare requires more than just available places. Suitable staff, needs-based offerings, and additional support are essential so that families can actually make use of childcare.
[Source: Federal study, published on 1 October 2026]
Germany
4. Falling birth rates are reshaping the daycare and skilled-worker job market
A new analysis by the German Youth Institute (DJI), published on 15 October, shows how strongly the birth rate decline is now affecting western Germany.
In 2025, around 552,000 children were born there – 17% fewer than in 2021. The number of children under three in care fell for the first time, by nearly 4%.
A shift is also visible in the job market: in 2025, there were statistically 1.1 registered unemployed childcare workers per registered job vacancy, compared to 0.8 the year before.
At the same time, unmet demand for childcare still exists in some regions.
Why does this matter?
The decline in the number of children is not affecting all areas equally. While some regions are reducing capacity, childcare places remain scarce elsewhere.
For daycare providers, local demand trends, staff planning, and long-term location decisions are becoming increasingly important. However, these figures do not mean that the shortage of skilled workers has been generally overcome.
[Source: German Youth Institute, 15 October 2026]
5. Bertelsmann study: qualification compromises in new daycare hires
A new study by the Bertelsmann Stiftung examines the staffing responsibilities of daycare providers.
Of 4,782 surveyed daycare managers, 56% reported compromises on expertise among newly hired staff. 23% stated that positions were advertised below the qualification level originally required.
Only 31% reported that when further training needs were identified, appropriate qualification measures always took place during onboarding.
This voluntary survey is not representative of all German daycares.
Why does this matter?
Staff recruitment is not just a question of the number of applicants. Qualifications, onboarding, and continuous professional development are also crucial.
For daycare providers, systematic staff development is thus becoming an important part of quality assurance.
[Source: Bertelsmann Stiftung, 15 October 2026]
6. New daycare quality law: German states call for reliable funding
On 16 October, the Bundesrat issued a statement on the planned Start Opportunities and Quality Development Act.
The government's draft provides for federal funds totalling around 9.25 billion euros for the period 2027 to 2034.
The German states criticise, among other things, the fact that the planned funds decrease over time. They also call for more flexibility in implementing individual quality requirements.
This is a statement on the draft legislation, not an already adopted law.
Why does this matter?
New quality standards can create additional requirements for staff, language support, and educational processes. For facilities, the key question is whether and how these requirements will be funded in the long term.
[Source: Bundesrat session of 16 October 2026]
Austria
7. Full-time-compatible childcare and women's part-time work are regionally linked
A new analysis by the Momentum Institute, published on 15 October, examines how the availability of full-time-compatible childcare and women's part-time employment differ by region.
In the 20 districts with the highest share of full-time-compatible under-3 childcare, the average female part-time rate is 50.8%. In the 20 districts with the lowest shares, it is 59.3%.
This corresponds to a difference of 8.5 percentage points. The study thus shows a statistical correlation, but not proof of a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Why does this matter?
An available childcare place does not automatically enable full-time employment. Opening hours, holiday coverage, and regional differences in provision all affect how well families can balance work and childcare.
For providers, municipalities, and employers, the actual usability of childcare offerings is therefore becoming a key planning factor.
[Source: Momentum Institute, 15 October 2026]
DACH trend of the week: funding, skilled staff, and actual usability
This week's developments reveal three closely interconnected challenges.
Funding: Switzerland illustrates how important public funds are for access to, and the operation of, childcare.
Skilled staff: Germany shows that falling birth rates are changing the job market, while requirements for qualifications and staff development remain high.
Work-life balance: Austria highlights just how much the actual usability of childcare offerings varies by region.
For daycare managers and providers, it is becoming increasingly important to consider funding, staffing resources, and local family needs together.
For daycares in Switzerland, Awina for Daycares offers the opportunity to showcase your childcare offerings and reach families looking for the right daycare place.
Numbers of the week
CHF 26.46 million: FDAP funds distributed to Geneva municipalities in 2025
Nearly 7,900: Municipally subsidised childcare places in Geneva at the end of 2025
17%: Birth rate decline in western Germany between 2021 and 2025
56%: Surveyed daycare managers reporting qualification compromises in expertise
8.5 percentage points: Difference in female part-time rates between the Austrian district groups examined
The Awina DACH Childcare Monitor provides weekly updates on the key developments in childcare, early education, and family policy in Switzerland, Germany, and Austria – concise, fact-based, and with context for the industry.