The amended North Rhine-Westphalia Childcare Investment Directive has been in force since 15 October 2026. As part of the North Rhine-Westphalia Plan for Good Infrastructure, the state government aims to invest more than 1.5 billion euros in childcare by 2036.

The state government is adjusting the maximum funding amounts per place in line with the construction price index, thereby responding to a noticeable rise in construction costs. Maximum funding amounts of up to 41,500 euros per place are earmarked for the construction of new nurseries, and up to 19,500 euros for extension and conversion work. In addition, there is a new digitalisation allowance of 750 euros, which any group or childminder can apply for.

The new regulations on the designated use of premises are particularly important for providers, local authorities and childminders: premises receiving funding must be used for childcare for five, ten or twenty years – depending on whether the project involves a new build, a conversion or a refurbishment. If the premises are used for purposes other than those specified, the funding decision may be revoked or, under certain circumstances, the funding may have to be repaid. Many facilities are facing precisely this problem because child numbers are falling and groups are having to close or sites are being abandoned. The new investment guidelines therefore introduce a re-use clause: If places that have been funded under the investment programmes since 2008 are permanently lost and the premises are reused for child and youth welfare services, educational infrastructure or pre-school language courses, this should not have a negative impact on the funding.