Dispute over giant daycare center in Stockelsdorf: need or superstructure?

Dispute over giant daycare center in Stockelsdorf: need or superstructure?

There is currently a heated dispute in Stockelsdorf over the planned new construction of a modern daycare center (Kita). The situation for parents with young children has been tense for years, and the ongoing need makes clarification all the more urgent. The plan is to build a new facility in the Franzhörn development area, directly opposite the fire station on Bohnrader Weg. This daycare center will contain up to ten groups and has been discussed in political committees for over six years. The decision was made three years ago and the building permit has been available since December 2024, but the uncertainties remain.

The CDU parliamentary group expresses concerns about the need for a daycare center of this size. Torsten Petersson, a representative of the CDU, questions the administration's forecasts. This expects 15 crèche and 20 kindergarten places per 100 residential units, although usually only 11 places are common. Petersson also doubts that 1,000 new residential units will actually be built in the coming years. In contrast, Mayor Julia Samtleben (SPD) emphasizes the proven need for childcare places, which is supported by a report. It warns urgently of an impending shortage of places by 2027/2028 if action is not taken in time. The situation is tense and every step is being closely watched.

Political debate and possible alternatives

In addition to the concerns, Sabine Gall-Gratze from the Greens also expresses concerns. She warns of a possible wave of lawsuits if the construction is not carried out. Carsten Büll (SPD) recognizes the critical costs of over 11 million euros, but sees a need for action to provide for families. A proposal from Stephan Passemann (FDP) envisages initially only building five units of the daycare center, with the option of later expansion. But here too, building authority manager Jan-Christian Ohm warns that delays in reduced planning could only worsen the situation, as the existing daycare centers are already at their limit and in urgent need of renovation.

The mayor is committed to reliable childcare, which is crucial not only for the families in Stockelsdorf, but also for the local companies. The committee therefore unanimously decided to postpone the final decision on the new daycare building. A joint meeting of the specialist committees for construction and education is to take place in the autumn to clarify how to proceed.

Increased interest in additional places

At the same time, the municipality of Stockelsdorf has initiated planning for the operation of the new daycare center and is launching two expressions of interest processes. The idea is even enough to set up another nature daycare group, which is particularly popular with parents. According to the report by expert Wolf Krämer-Mandeau, Stockelsdorf has a childcare rate of 75% for children under three years of age, which results in a significant demand for childcare places. The Committee for Youth, Sport, Social Affairs, Schools and Culture (JSSSK) has commissioned the administration to plan a daycare center with at least seven groups.

The need for such a reform of child care is also underlined by the new Child Day Care Act (KiTaG), which was passed by the state parliament in Kiel in November 2024 and comes into force on January 1, 2025. The aim of this change in the law is to create greater reliability in care and improve the quality of the facilities. A financial relief process for both families and municipalities is also part of the project, which aims to ensure fair financing. There are signs of a positive turnaround for childcare in Schleswig-Holstein.

The discussions about the new daycare center in Stockelsdorf are not just a local issue, but also reflect the challenges that many communities are currently having to overcome. How the situation will develop further remains to be seen.

For further information on the background, the reports can be found on LN Online, Ostholstein delivers and Schleswig-Holstein.de be read.