German kindergartens admit children from three to six years of age. The kindergartens are co-funded either by the churches - Protestant (Evangelisch) or Catholic (Katholisch) - or by parents' initiatives or by the municipal authorities. Class size varies, but is generally around 20.

The goal is to improve the child's independent action and orientation in their surroundings. Free play is encouraged.

Hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 to 4 p.m. The number of kindergartens that offer longer opening hours as well as a lunch for the children has increased over the past years. Fees depend on the parents' annual income and on the opening hours of the institution.

In day-care centres (Kindertagesstätten) the children receive lunch and have the opportunity to have a nap at midday. Class size is about 20. Hours from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 or 5:00 p.m. Day-care centres too are co-funded either by the churches, by parents' initiatives or by the local authorities. Several large companies in Bonn also offer in-house day-care centres for the children of their staff. Day-care centres provide services for children from four months to six years of age. Fees are based on the parents' annual income and are higher, as they cover longer opening hours and lunch.

There is a large number of childminders and private day care facilities available. Some stay-home mothers also decide to attend a playgroup nearby (Spielkreis).

Babies and children may be cared for by a daytime childminder (Tagesmutter/Tagesvater). These private services or initiatives cost approximately EUR 5 - 6 per hour. The price usually decreases with every additional child of one family. The municipal Office for Children, Youth, and Family can assist in finding appropriate childminders. It also fosters a Network for Children Day Care (Netzwerk für Kinder in Tagesbetreuung) for children from the age of 0 to 18/19; it is open to children of every nationality who have newly come to the city or have not yet found a place in public institutions.

These offer parents support in raising their children, and help them to better combine work and family. The services offered are adapted to the needs identified in the institution's particular district. They range from parent cafés, language courses, and discussion groups to sport or art courses to educational, nutritional, or health advice. Midwife consultation hours are also offered in some places.