Parents in Saxony shocked: Secret tests in daycare revealed!

Parents in Saxony shocked: Secret tests in daycare revealed!

In Saxony, an unexpected invitation to a development meeting causes excitement among parents. The case was shared on Reddit by a concerned mother whose six-year-old son, who is scheduled to start school for the 2026-27 school year, was invited without her being informed. The school entrance examination in August had previously revealed no problems. When the family asked, they were told that individual tests had been carried out on each child at the daycare center and that “abnormalities” had been found in three children. But the daycare management remained vague in its explanations. It was not disclosed which tests were used and what exactly is meant by the abnormalities. Parents are therefore concerned that their children could potentially be put aside.

The Saxony State Youth Welfare Office is trying to dispel the emerging fears and makes it clear that medical examinations in connection with starting school only have to be carried out by the child and adolescent medical service. Discussions with parents are very important, and they should also be informed about the timing and content of all examinations. The clinic specialists carry out regular observations of the children's development, which is part of their educational mission. Secret testing practices or independent aptitude tests for school enrollment are not permitted under current laws. So far, the state youth welfare office has no evidence of such secret tests in Saxon daycare centers.

Development discussions: A key to educational partnership

The importance of development discussions in daycare centers can hardly be overestimated. These conversations promote exchange between parents and educational professionals and help to discuss the child's development and compare observations. Children often spend more than half of their day in daycare, which is why trusting cooperation is so important. According to a guide on the subject of development discussions, these should take place at least once a year, and even every six months for children under the age of three or with special needs.

• Definition: Regelmäßiger Austausch über die Entwicklung, Interessen und Herausforderungen des Kindes.
• Dauer: Idealerweise 30 bis 45 Minuten; bei weiterem Gesprächsbedarf kann ein Folgetermin vereinbart werden.
• Teilnehmer: Mindestens ein Elternteil und eine pädagogische Fachkraft, oft die Bezugserzieherin oder der Bezugserzieher.

However, conducting these discussions also presents challenges. Parents don't always show up or are dissatisfied with the daycare. Doubts about the experts' observations can also arise, making collaboration more difficult. It is important that the professionals create an open and objective atmosphere for discussion and actively involve the parents.

The focus on child development

After the conversation, the observations and agreements should be documented. In addition, it makes sense to offer the minutes to the parents to review and sign. This is then kept in the child's file so that everyone involved has a clear overview of the child's development. With the help of visual aids and a structured discussion guide, professionals can ensure that important topics are discussed, such as the child's current interests and possible support needs.

The concerns raised about secret tests in daycare centers contrast with the clear guidelines set by the state youth welfare office. It is to be hoped that more transparency will be created in the future so that both parents and children can feel comfortable and safe.