Day care as an alternative for preschool children´s care in Germany

This thesis focuses on the day care system in Germany. It aims at determining the benefits and shortcomings of teaching processes in day care from the perspective of parents and teachers. It also aims to compare the process of social integration between children educated in day care and children educated in kindergarten. The theoretical aspect of this thesis focuses on the issues of institutional care of young children, its opportunities, and potential risks, including the various forms this care is carried out. Relevant sections of policies and legislations for preschool education in Germany are discussed in relation to the issues, opportunities and risks identified. Recommended conditions of education in kindergartens and day care facilities are also proposed, including the number of children in groups, or joining the children in age-homogeneous or age-heterogeneous groups. In the practical section, interviews were carried out with teachers and parents about their views and satisfaction regarding the institution their children attend. Several methodologies were considered, such as interviews and surveys, and interviewing was chosen to obtain deeper insight. The gathered information was qualitatively processed. A short conclusion of findings learned from parents and teachers should be provided