Challenges and Prospects in Quality Issues of Early Childhood Education and Care in Germany:

The view from Child’s Well-being

Abstract

This study identifies how Germany has been addressing the issue of childcare. It is reviewed why reforming of childcare is regarded as the most urgent task and why the quality of childcare has been increasingly discussed in terms of the unique political and historical situation of childcare in Germany. Since the PISA Shock of 2001, Germany has made a national effort to improve its childcare system; detailed results have been reported. In recent years, the working environment of caregivers and their mental and physical health have been identified as factors affecting the quality of childcare. In addition, an attempt has been made to redefine the quality of childcare using the "well-being of children as an indicator.