Language tests for daycare centers – What parents in the Nuremberg region need to know!

Language tests for daycare centers – What parents in the Nuremberg region need to know!

Language support in Bavarian daycare centers is gaining momentum. Since March 2025, all kindergarten children have had to take a language test before starting school n-land.de reported. This test is intended to help determine whether the little ones need special support in language development. The new law from the Bavarian state parliament requires all children to take the test, with the exception of those who are certified by their kindergarten as speaking German sufficiently. Only state-funded institutions are allowed to issue this confirmation.

The first parents and children who will take their turn in the upcoming school enrollment round in the 2026/27 school year are already ready. It is estimated that around 130,000 children will be required to attend school, of which around 40,000 will benefit from the language tests. If the children do not pass the test, a “preliminary German course” is taken, which is implemented by dedicated pedagogical specialists in daycare centers and primary school teachers.

Essential insights into the practical implementation of these new regulations were obtained at an information event that took place in the district office in Lauf. This event was very popular, and three successful daycare centers reported on what they had experienced in the preliminary German course and shared useful tips with those present.

The SpiKi program in Nuremberg

In Nuremberg there are also innovative programs such as SpiKi, which was developed by the city's youth welfare office to promote language education in daycare centers. The focus is on several educational focuses, such as promoting phonological awareness, dialogic reading and written language experiences with a “literacy center”. These concepts were not only developed practically, but also scientifically evaluated to ensure that the children receive optimal support.

The regular qualification measures for volunteers and skilled workers are offered through the “Human Resources Development and Training: Social Professions (PEF:SB)” department. A particularly exciting module of the SpiKi program is “Reading Joy,” in which volunteers regularly read for small groups in the daycare centers to support the children’s language and personality development. The youth welfare office offers the necessary professional qualifications.

Diversity in language support

The SpiKi program also includes the modules “Mom/Papa ​​Learns German,” which supports parents in integrating into the German language and culture, as well as the “School Bag” module, which deals with preparation for starting school. These programs, together with the preliminary courses, lay a solid foundation for the children's linguistic development.

In summary, such comprehensive measures, as can be seen in both the language tests and the SpiKi program, ensure that the youngest children in Bavaria have the best possible chance of successful linguistic development. This not only supports these children themselves, but also gives the entire community the opportunity to benefit from a good language base, be it through the valuable work of the daycare centers or the committed support from parents.