Four toddlers are sitting next to each other, clapping and looking at their caregiver
Parent & Child
10.09.2026 Ifenna Ekezie 3766

childcare center Or a child care provider? Here's how to find the right child care

Sooner or later, many parents have to decide how their child should be cared for. After all, it’s not just a matter of who looks after the child while the parents are at work, but also about where the child feels comfortable, is supported, and can build trust. Both types of care have their strengths and can be the right choice—depending on the child, the family, and their individual needs.  

In this article, you'll learn how childcare center and in-home child care differ, and which type of care might be the best fit for your family. 

Expert: Rebecca Brielmaier, certified early childhood educator, pedagogue, and specialist consultant in the area of parents and children at pme Familienservice.

Childcare at the " childcare center " or at a daycare provider's home?

childcare center and family day care are legally equivalent: Both fulfill the same statutory mandate for education, upbringing, and care under Section 24 of SGB VIII, and the legal right to a care spot applies equally to both forms. However, they differ specifically in terms of group size, location of care, number of caregivers, and the ages of the children in their care.

What you can expect in this article:

Children in Germany have a legal right to early childhood education and care from their first birthday until they start school. This means that parents have the right to be provided with a suitable care spot at a daycare center (childcare center) or in a family daycare setting that meets the legal quality requirements. 

This entitlement is governed by Section 24 of Book VIII of the Social Code (SGB VIII).

What is the difference between a daycare center ( childcare center ) and in-home child care?  

At first glance, both the “ childcare center ” (childcare center) and child day care share the same goal:  

  • Children are lovingly cared for,  
  • accompanied them in their development and supported them along the way 
  • and learn to build social relationships. 

Nevertheless, the two types of care differ in several important ways.  

Both types of care are legally equivalent 

Legally and under the law, child day care (provided by child care providers) is equivalent to care provided at a “ childcare center ” (day care center) in terms of the mandate to provide support and the legal entitlement. Both are part of public child and youth welfare services under Social Code Book VIII (SGB VIII) and share the same legal mandate for upbringing, education, and care. The legal entitlement to a care spot also applies equally to both forms. 

What makes a childcare center (childcare center) special? 

A " childcare center " (childcare center) is a facility for the education, care, and upbringing of children:

  • Depending on the facility, children from age one until they start school are cared for in larger groups: In daycare centers, groups consist of up to 12 children. In preschools, the groups are usually larger, and the staff-to-child ratio varies by state.  
  • Care is provided by state-certified educational professionals such as early childhood educators, educators, social workers, and special education teachers, often supported by childcare workers and auxiliary staff.  
  • The daily routine is clearly structured and based on the educational philosophy of the respective facility and its sponsoring organization.  
  • Depending on the facility, care may be provided on a part-time or full-time basis.  
  • Hours of operation vary depending on the operator of childcare center or childcare center. 

 
 

Have you heard of our " pme Lernwelten"? 

As the operator of over 80 childcare and educational facilities, we offer high-quality educational programs and flexible childcare. Find the pme-childcare center , near you! 

What makes child day care special? 

Child day care, also known as care provided by a child care provider, offers children a family-like and personalized care environment: 

  • In small groups of up to five children, the program primarily cares for children up to three years old. Thanks to the small group size, children receive particularly close attention and can build a trusting relationship with their caregiver. 
  • Childcare generally takes place in the child care provider’s home. 
  • Daily life is structured around an individualized care plan that takes into account the children's needs, developmental stage, and interests.  
  • The program is publicly funded by the Youth Welfare Office.  
  • Parents generally make a contribution, the amount of which is determined by regional regulations and can be inquired about at the relevant youth welfare office. 
  • In the event that the caregiver becomes ill, the Youth Welfare Office should arrange for substitute care . In practice, however, the availability of a substitute depends on regional resources and the existing network. 


 

In order for child care providers to take on this responsible role, they must meet certain requirements. These may vary by state. Generally, they include:  

  • teaching qualification, 
  • personal suitability,  
  • appropriate and safe care facilities, 
  • an extended criminal background check for the protection of children. 

To become a child care provider, you need a teaching credential. You can earn this credential by taking a child care training course offered by youth welfare offices or other organizations:Becoming a Child Care Provider: Training & Requirements 

Large-Scale Day Care as an Alternative Form of Child Care

Large-scale daycare is also a form of child daycare. In this arrangement, several child care providers join forces and work together to care for a small group of children—often in rented spaces that are equipped to meet children’s needs.

This type of care combines the small group size typical of family day care with care provided by multiple caregivers. Group size and general conditions may vary by region. 

C childcare center , and daycare be combined? 

Yes, in certain cases, childcare center and child day care can be combined. This form of care is relatively rare and is often referred to as “supplementary child day care.”  

This combination is an option if  

  • childcare center 's hours of operation do not align with the parents' work schedules  
  • or if additional care hours are needed. 

Here's an example: A child attends a “ childcare center ” in the morning and is then cared for by a child care provider in the afternoon or during off-peak hours. Supplementary child care can also be a suitable solution for those with irregular work schedules or increased child care needs. 

Whether such a combination is possible and whether it is financially supported depends on the regulations of the respective municipality and the relevant youth welfare office. Families should therefore seek information early on and discuss their individual childcare needs with the youth welfare office or the childcare providers. 

A Thought from Rebecca Brielmaier for Parents  

Especially for children under three, it’s important to consider which care setting provides the child with a sense of safety and security. Familiar caregivers and reliable routines play an important role at this age.  

A combination of childcare center and child day care can be a good solution if it suits the child and the family’s daily routine and if the transitions between care settings are well managed. Some children benefit from different experiences and environments, while others need more calm and continuity. 

Which is more expensive— childcare center , or a child care provider?  

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether a daycare center ( childcare center ) or a home-based daycare is more expensive.  

The costs depend on various factors, such as:

  • Place of Residence
  • Scope of Care
  • Parents' Income
  • Regulations of the respective state or municipality

The type of provider for a daycare center ( childcare center ) can also affect the costs. For example, there are municipal centers ( childcare centers), private centers ( childcare centers ), and parent-run initiatives: While fees at public providers are often based on municipal fee schedules, private providers may have their own fee structures. Parent-run initiatives often require a special level of commitment from families and may also offer their own cost-sharing or participation models. 

 How do I find the right childcare for my child? 

The search for the right childcare begins with the question: What’s right for my child and our family?  

"Not every type of childcare is equally suitable for every child and every family situation. The best type of childcare is the one that fits the child, the family’s daily routine, and the individual needs of everyone involved." – Rebecca Brielmaier, early childhood educator, pedagogue, and specialist consultant in the Parents & Children division at pme Familienservice.

1. Identify Wishes and Needs

First, think about what you hope for and what you need for your child, and what conditions are important in your family's daily life. 

2. Find Childcare Options in the Area

Find out what care options are available in your area and which ones suit your situation. A personal consultation can help you get an overview of the various care options. 

3. Getting to Know the Facilities and Caregivers

Get to know different facilities and caregivers: Many childcare centers offer open houses or tours. You can also ask a child care provider if it’s possible to meet them or visit beforehand. Your personal impression plays an important role—because in addition to the general conditions, your own gut feeling is also crucial. 

Do you have questions about the “ childcare center ” settling-in process? In this post, you’ll find tips from the pme Parenting Counseling Service:A Gentle Start to “ childcare center ”: How to Make the Settling-In Process a Success

4. Compare Offers

So take the time to compare the different types of childcare and the options available in your area. After all, the right decision is the one that makes your child feel comfortable and best meets your family’s needs. 

Are you unsure which type of care is right for your child? 

Our parenting counselors can help you choose the right childcare option. Requesta pme parenting counseling sessionnow.

Personal and confidential: We're here for you online, by phone, and in person.  

Helpful questions that can assist you in choosing the right childcare: 

What does my child need? 

  • How old is my child, and what is his or her current stage of development? 
  • Does my child feel comfortable in a larger group, or does he or she prefer a quiet, manageable environment? 
  • Does my child need a lot of closeness, consistent caregivers, and a structured daily routine? 
  • How does my child cope with new situations and changes? 

What type of childcare fits best with our daily routine? 

  • What are our childcare hours? 
  • Do we need flexible care or set hours? 
  • How well can business hours and work hours be balanced? 
  • How important are short distances and good accessibility? 

What kind of care do we want for our child? 

  • What values and principles are important to us in our care services? 
  • Which educational approaches are a good fit for our family? 
  • Do we prefer a family-like care setting in a small group, or plenty of social interaction in a larger community? 
  • How important are consistent caregivers and close collaboration with the caregiver to us? 

Do we feel comfortable with the care we're receiving? 

  • Do we have a good feeling when we first meet? 
  • Does the environment seem friendly, safe, and child-friendly? 
  • How is the adjustment period structured? 
  • How are parents involved and kept informed? 
     

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About " childcare center " vs. Childcare Provider 

What is the difference between a daycare center ( childcare center ) and in-home child care? 

In a daycare center ( childcare center ), children are usually cared for in larger groups by several qualified childcare professionals. Family daycare typically offers a smaller, family-like care group with a dedicated family daycare provider. Another form is group family daycare, in which several family daycare providers join forces to care for a small group together. 

Which is more expensive: childcare center or a child care provider? 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The costs depend, among other things, on where you live, the level of care provided, the parents’ income, and the specific provider or youth welfare office. Daycare may also involve varying fees and additional costs depending on the region. 

What are the advantages of a child care provider over a childcare center? 

A child care provider usually cares for children in a small group, which allows them to respond to the children’s needs in a highly individualized way. For many children, the family-like atmosphere with a consistent caregiver provides additional security and reliability. 

What are the potential drawbacks of child day care? 

Childcare depends more heavily on a single childcare provider. Therefore, a reliable backup plan is especially important in the event of illness or vacation. In addition, parents often have to find a new childcare spot by their child’s third birthday if the childcare provider only cares for children up to age three. 

Who is a daycare center ( childcare center) best suited for, and who is a child care provider (Tagesmutter) best suited for? 

A daycare center ( childcare center ) may be a good fit if parents are looking for larger groups, a variety of social interactions, and care provided by a team. Family daycare (Kindertagespflege) may be particularly suitable if a small group, a home-like environment, and a consistent caregiver are important. The key factors are always the child, his or her stage of development, and the family’s daily routine. 

What should parents look for when making a choice? 

Parents should pay particular attention to the hours of care, group size, consistent caregivers, the adjustment period, how the center handles illness and staff absences, and the atmosphere at the facility. Meeting the staff in person helps determine whether the child and the family will feel comfortable with the care provided. 

zero Team development and team building in times of upheaval

Team development
Leadership & HR
24.04.2026 Isabel Hempel 30943

What is team development and team building?

What is the glue that keeps people in your company? The atmosphere in the team and the management style are crucial. Both are ranked far higher than salary by employees and applicants. pme team and leadership trainer Mario Müller explains what teams need now, what makes a really good team and what mistakes you should avoid when purchasing team development and team building measures.

 

Summary:

In times of upheaval, teams need targeted support to strengthen trust, collaboration, and efficiency. In this article, leadership coach Mario Müller explains what team development and team building entail, when external guidance is beneficial, and how leaders can successfully guide teams through change processes.
​​​​​​​Practical tips, common pitfalls, and a checklist for selecting appropriate measures help companies improve their team culture in a sustainable way.

​​​​​​​

In this article you can read:

1. definition of team development and team building

1.1 What is team building?

Team building is a suitable tool after putting together or expanding a team. Team building measures are various activities, games, exercises and methods that aim to promote cooperation and cohesion within a team.
The team gains experience together and builds trust as a result. The team members get to know each other's strength profiles and their communication needs.

1.2 What is team development?

In real team support, a method roadmap is drawn up based on surveys and team measurements, with which the team systematically works on itself over a period of months and improves sustainably. The results are measured and the achievement of interim goals keeps motivation high.

External support creates a sense of commitment and therefore increased motivation. Resources are used in a targeted manner and skills are deepened and consolidated to a greater extent than with one-off measures.

1.3 What happens in team workshops and team seminars?

In contrast to team-building measures, existing teams continue to work on their individual issues in workshops and seminars. In addition to an outside perspective, they also receive inspiration and proposed solutions that act as an impetus for the team.

If there is no team support after the one-off event, motivation often wanes within a few weeks and even interim successes can be lost again. As a rule, the results are also not measured, which makes it difficult to evaluate the investment.

2 What makes a perfect team?

A great example of outstanding teams can be found in space travel.

We are constantly investing in the physical fitness, resilience, expertise and methodological skills of our astronauts.

But that's not all: they are indispensable components of a mission, committed to each other and trust each other with their lives. The tasks are complex and sometimes involve unforeseeable disruptions to which the team must react quickly, purposefully, agilely and together. To achieve this, communication and trust must be flawless.

This YouTube content can only be loaded if you accept the privacy policy of Google LLC.

To the data protection settings "

3. when does external team development make sense?

External team consulting always makes sense when team spirit is lacking. Get an outside perspective. A holistic view that looks at the entire value chain, processes and potential as well as the individual resources and points of friction in the team. If you know exactly what will help you the most and which bottlenecks and skills you want to target, you can decide what you can solve with your own resources and what you can get external support for.

3.1 Typical occasions for external team support are

  • After a long phase of virtual collaboration, your team is now working in hybrid mode and you are looking for the right balance between online and face-to-face work as well as suitable working methods.
  • Your team has changed in terms of personnel, has new team members or the tasks, roles and objectives have changed.
  • A new manager takes over a team and wants to invest in team development right from the start.
  • A temporary project team is formed and wants to define the temporary collaboration.
  • Change processes are imminent in the company and the teams would like to be accompanied.
  • A team is under a lot of pressure (e.g. due to prolonged illness, homeschooling or staff shortages) and is looking for relief.
  • The team is very diverse and the team members want to benefit from each other.
  • Different teams are brought together and are faced with the task of growing well together.
  • There are open or hidden conflicts in the team that cannot be resolved alone.
  • The management culture is to be made sustainable and competitive.
  • Teams should work together in a more agile, flexible and efficient way.
Unleash the full potential of your managers and teams now.

Our trainers and coaches at the pme Academy support you in difficult transformation and change processes or analyze together how you can make even better use of your team's strengths. 

More information on the seminars and training courses: pme Academy

4 What do teams need in times of upheaval and crisis?

 In times of upheaval, teams have the same needs as ever:

Trust, appreciation, collegiality, participation.

It is just much more urgent that cultures also meet these needs, because otherwise employees - feeling left alone - can collapse under the strain.

The pandemic has shone a glaring light on existing problems. Companies with a good culture have hardly suffered any losses as a result of the pressure to digitize and the additional burdens, or have even grown closer together. Companies with problematic or control-based management are now often faced with a shambles. Culture does not grow overnight and cannot be imposed. When a crisis comes, you have either already invested or not.

5 What role does the manager play in the team development process?

Managers should not be role models, managers are role models.

Their behavior is always taken as a guide for mutual interaction. However, managers must not only regulate their own behavior, but also defend the culture in the team. It is a truism that people leave managers and not positions. Leadership is a complex topic that requires regular investment and which, contrary to popular belief, no one has "in their DNA".

Because competencies are shifting further and further into the teams, the "promoted clerk as manager" has almost become obsolete.

Management must give second and third level managers more time for leadership and cannot deploy them 100% (or in reality often more) as administrators "on the side". The costs for the team friction processes come in through the back door

6 Why should companies invest in team coaching?

The highest cost factor in all companies - and one that does not appear on any balance sheet - is interpersonal friction and its consequences: sick days, working to rule, low morale, the departure of frustrated people, internal dismissal, competitive thinking, burnout, bullying.

According to surveys, the three most important criteria for jobseekers are:

If you don't offer that, you disappear from the job market. Salary ranks just 7th.
The good people don't want to put up with sluggish, destructive teams and leave. Other potential applicants don't even come because they read about the experiences employees have had on the review platforms.

7. what mistakes should you avoid when purchasing team development measures?

1. the first mistake is to believe that team development a) is not necessary or b) is not worthwhile.

Team members often have a better insight into requirements than managers. And basing decisions solely on return on investment (ROI), which is only measured in euros, falls short. The value of investment (VOI) is much more decisive precisely because the brand value of the company increases through the culture, talents come and stay and get more involved.

2 The second mistake is to go to the pharmacy without seeking medical advice first.

Only diagnosis and analysis ensure that the right measures are taken and the levers are applied in the right places. It costs more time and money to book seminars according to the watering can principle than to seek professional advice on an effective approach.

3) The third mistake is to assume that causes and symptoms can be permanently eliminated with selective measures.

If you make your body ill through many years of unfavorable behavior and simply "hand it over to the doctor" in the expectation that you can then simply carry on as before, you won't have to wait long for new problems. Those who (mostly) lead a healthy lifestyle stay healthy. It's the same with teams. With the addition that even a healthy team, like a sports team, will naturally improve and perform better through training and support.

 

8. how does team coaching with the trainers and coaches of the pme Work-Life Academy work?

8.1 Analysis of the team

Our team support begins with a detailed analysis of your team's potential and points of friction . In order to find the critical points, we use good measuring instruments and our experienced view from the outside as well as from the inside.
This only works in cooperation with the people who make up your team - including the manager.

In the next step, you define measurable, realistic goals and suitable methods with our support. Over time, input and implementation alternate. The team members apply what they have developed and come back with the experience they have gained. The team process is reflected upon and iteratively improved.

8.2 What methods are used in team development?

During the process, the resources are directed to the areas where they have the greatest leverage for improvement. In concrete terms, the measures ideally consist of team training, workshops, information impulses and individual coaching sessions in addition to the kick-off and closing events. Your team can turn to the trainer or coach in confidence at any time. A typical support period starts at two to three months and can also extend over a year or more.

​​​​​​​

Mario Müller is a trainer and conference facilitator specializing in neurology, agile cooperation and improvisation. He has published several books on these topics and has worked for small and large companies on three continents.

pme Academy: Our 360° offers for managers and teams

Personnel management, communication, error culture, digital leadership - with our webinars and training courses in the 360° series, we focus directly on the day-to-day work of team leaders. For experienced managers and junior staff.

Learn more: pme Academy

FAQ: Team Development & Team Building

1. What is team development?

Team development is a long-term, ongoing process in which teams systematically work on their collaboration, communication, and structures—usually with the support of experienced coaches.

2. When is it worth hiring an external team coach?

External team coaching is recommended when there are conflicts within the team, new challenges need to be addressed, the way the team works is changing significantly, or external input is needed.

3. What are some common mistakes in team development?

Common mistakes include failing to conduct a needs analysis, implementing measures that are too narrow in scope, focusing solely on ROI rather than sustainable value (VOI), and assuming that teams will develop “on their own.”

4. How does team development work with the pme Work-Life Academy?

The support process begins with an analysis of the team, sets measurable goals, combines training sessions, workshops, and coaching, and provides ongoing support to the team—usually over several months.

5. What is team building?

Team building involves specific activities designed to strengthen collaboration and trust within a team. Typical examples include a group escape room, a cooking class, a canoe trip, or improvisational theater. Team building is particularly beneficial after new teams are formed, during staff changes, or following extended periods of remote work. This helps teams build trust quickly and work together more effectively.

6. When is team building a good idea?

Team-building is recommended after new teams are formed or when there are personnel changes, in order to quickly build trust and foster collaboration.

Work:Life Academy — For Strong Leaders and Teams

The Work:Life Academy at pme Familienservice offers a wide range of seminars and training programs for companies focused on leadership development and employee development.

Whether in-person, online, or as blended learning or blended coaching—we flexibly tailor our seminars and training sessions to the needs of your teams and leaders.

Systemic, solution-oriented, and practical: Work:Life Academy

Rebecca Brielmaier

State-recognized educator, pedagogue B.A. and specialist consultant at pme Familienservice

She is particularly interested in educational and developmental issues, from general parenting to autism and giftedness. As the mother of a 5-year-old child, she brings personal experience to her work.