Sparking Courage in the Face of the Unknown
In Düsseldorf, preparations for the upcoming kindergarten year are underway, with the city's education authority and early childhood education centres adapting to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While specific plans for 2025 have yet to be officially announced, the general trend suggests a return to regular operations with careful consideration of the current pandemic situation.
The incidence value of the virus has been stabilising, and the influx into hospitals remains manageable. However, new cases are primarily linked to returning from vacation, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
Plans for new spots in Düsseldorf kindergartens have been ongoing for years, reflecting the city's commitment to providing quality early education. As in neighbouring Cologne Ostheim daycare, which is offering new free places from August 2025, parents are invited to enrol children aged 3 and over. This suggests a return to regular kindergarten operations in the region.
Vaccination campaigns have been ongoing for several years, including booster doses for eligible adults and vaccination availability for children, reducing severe risks and transmission in kindergarten settings. As of mid-June, 80% of kindergarten employees are vaccinated.
However, the pandemic has taken a toll on children and families. Many early childhood education centres have had to adapt to the situation with hygiene measures and vaccination encouragement but without imposing severe restrictions or closures. The incidence values and vaccination coverage among adults and children influence temporary measures rather than full shutdowns.
As children return to kindergarten, they will face a new adaptation phase. Many have been away for a long time and must learn to adjust to daily life again. Processing fears and worries is part of this adaptation process, and both parents and kindergarten staff are particularly challenged in helping children cope.
Dagmar Niederlein, a representative from Düsseldorf's education authority, affirms that they are well-equipped for the new kindergarten year. Flexibility and quick reaction to changes in the pandemic situation are required during this time.
For many children and their parents, additional help and support are needed to cope with the consequences of the corona pandemic. Kindergartens will continue to test children twice a week by their parents before care, ensuring the safety and health of all children and staff.
New insights into the disease and vaccination of children in the coming months will have to be considered. The city's education authority is expected to monitor local COVID-19 incidence and adapt measures accordingly, balancing children’s educational needs and health safety.
In summary, while no direct official Düsseldorf 2025 kindergarten reopening protocols are available, kindergarten operations appear to be planned as usual with consideration of current COVID-19 conditions, vaccination status, and incidence values. Parents are usually invited to enrol children and participate in the process, as seen in nearby Cologne. The city's education authority will likely maintain flexible hygiene and safety measures tailored to the prevailing pandemic risk levels.
- The education authority in Düsseldorf and early childhood education centres are preparing for the upcoming kindergarten year, focusing on the integration of science and learning to ensure safety in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
- As children return to kindergartens, they will need support in adapting to the new surroundings, especially focusing on their mental health and wellness during this transitional period.
- As part of the city's commitment to education-and-self-development, Düsseldorf kindergartens will incorporate health-and-wellness practices and promote ongoing vaccination for eligible children and staff members, while prioritizing flexibility and quick response to changes in the pandemic situation.
