Reform of the North Rhine-Westphalia Child Education Act

North Rhine-Westphalia is currently planning a reform of the Child Education Act (KiBiz). The law has not yet been passed, but is currently in the legislative process as of mid-February 2026 (LT-Drucksache 18/17575). Nevertheless, various potential innovations can already be identified that would have a not inconsiderable impact on the activities of childcare providers.

Among other things, the draft law aims for a personnel and training offensive and provides for considerable funding. In addition, the system is to be financially stabilised and bureaucracy reduced. However, it has also been widely criticised. The planned introduction of core and off-peak hours, for example, in which different requirements are to apply to childcare staff, is particularly controversial. And how does the reform relate to the upcoming entitlement to all-day childcare for primary school children? This seminar will provide an introduction and initial overview of these and the other most important changes and gaps.