YOUR CHILDREN

ADMISSION TO ISHR FOR YOUR CHILDREN

Complete information can be found on the school’s admissions page on the main website. ISHR staff may send their children to the school fee free but the government taxes this as a benefit.

PRE-SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN

The Family Services Bureau is a very useful city agency that can help you find daycare and kindergarten places for your children. It is located downtown, not far from the train station, and has walk-in hours on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Children in Hannover are guaranteed a daycare place from age 1 in a Kita (a daycare center) or with a Tagesmutter (day mother - a woman who is licensed to look after children in her own home) and a place in a kindergarten after age 3. However, since you are not guaranteed to get your child a place in your neighborhood or in a center that really appeals to you, it is recommended that you start calling, touring, and registering for Kitas soon after the child is born and for Kindergartens around the time he or she turns two.

Daycare fees are set on a sliding scale based on family income, and they are fairly affordable. The Family Services Bureau has a good website where you can search for daycare in your neighborhood, but the most complete and up-to-date information can be obtained by visiting their office. They even have sources that are in the office but not online, so it is well worth a visit.

One thing to keep in mind is that you do not need to be a member of a church for your child to get a place in a church affiliated Kita or Kindergarten as long as you assure them that you are happy for your child to be exposed to whichever religious traditions they observe. Best of luck and hope your little one has a blast wherever he or she ends up!