Everything you need to know about medical suitability (Kita-Tauglichkeit) for daycare before starting daycare
- Johanna
- Jul 29
- 4 min read
If your child is about to start daycare or kindergarten, a new chapter begins for you. It's an exciting step, but there are a few preparations that need to be made. One of these involves the so-called "Kitatauglichkeitsbescheinigung" (certificate of suitability for daycare), which many daycare centers require before starting care. In this article, you'll learn exactly what it means, why you have to pay for it, and how you can get it at a lower cost.
What is a daycare suitability certificate?
The daycare suitability certificate is a medical certificate confirming:
• Your child is currently free of contagious diseases.
• There are no medical concerns about attending daycare.
• You have been advised on vaccination prevention, especially for measles vaccination
The certificate usually contains:
Your child's Name and Birthdate
Date of examination
Stamp and signature of the doctor's office
The note: "From a medical point of view, there are no health concerns about attending a daycare facility."
A confirmation of the vaccination consultation carried out
Optional: a list of vaccinations already received, including proof of at least one measles vaccination
Important: The certificate should typically not be older than 7 to 14 days. Therefore, ask your doctor for an appointment in good time.
Attention! Measles vaccination is mandatory for attending daycare!
The Measles Protection Act has been in effect in Germany since March 1, 2020. It requires:
at least one measles vaccination for children from their 1st birthday,
two vaccinations for children from their 2nd birthday,
or a medical certificate confirming a previous case of measles or medical contraindication.
Proof of vaccination is sufficient, either by a vaccination certificate or medical certificate. A separate medical certificate is not required.
Without proof of measles, your child cannot be admitted!!
What does the doctor do during the examination?
Brief physical examination:
The doctor takes a quick look at your child to check for any acute, contagious illnesses such as fever, cough, or gastrointestinal symptoms.
Conversation with the parents:
You will be asked whether your child has been sick recently or has shown any symptoms. The doctor will also clarify whether necessary vaccinations – especially against measles – have already been administered or if you have received vaccination counseling.
Verification of vaccination status:
The measles vaccination is legally required for all children attending a daycare center. The vaccination record is checked to confirm that your child has either received the necessary measles vaccinations or has already had a measles infection. In that case, a doctor’s note or a positive antibody test result is required as proof.
Issuing the certificate:
If there are no acute illnesses and no medical reasons against attending daycare, the doctor will issue a simple certificate. Some practices use their own form, while others use a standardized template.
Is the daycare suitability certificate required by law?
No. There is no nationwide requirement for this certificate. It is not part of the Infection Protection Act. Nevertheless:
Many daycare centers require them contractually or through their internal regulations
Without the certificate, the start of daycare may be postponed or refused
Although there is no legal obligation, you, as a parent, are often practically compelled to present the certificate.
Why do you have to pay for the certificate yourself
Because it's not medically necessary, statutory health insurance companies don't cover the costs. It's considered an IGeL (individual health service) service and is billed privately according to the German Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ).
Costs: Depending on the practice and region, the cost ranges between 15 and 25 euros.
Saving tip: Combine examination and vaccination
If a vaccination according to STIKO recommendations (e.g., measles, MMRV, tetanus, DTP) is carried out at the same doctor's appointment:
Is the medical examination covered by statutory health insurance
If you are privately insured, check your contract
And many practices issue the daycare suitability certificate at a lower price in this case. Typically, the cost ranges from 5 to 10 euros.
Tip: ask your practice when you make the appointment:
“How much does the certificate cost?”
“Can we combine it with a vaccination?”
“Will it be cheaper then?”
Many practices already have this in mind and take care to avoid unnecessary costs and double appointments.
Why do many daycare centers require the certificate?
Many institutions justify this as follows:
You want to ensure that no contagious diseases are brought into the group
You want to protect yourself legally – for example, in the event of an outbreak of disease
What can you do if you question the suitability of daycare and its costs?
Check the daycare contract: If the certificate is not mentioned there, you might question whether it is really necessary
Talk to the daycare center: Ask whether a U-examination and vaccination certificate are sufficient as proof
Ask the provider or youth welfare office: In some municipalities, the health department will carry out the examination free of charge
Do I have to bring a new certificate after each illness?
No. The certificate of suitability for daycare is only required once, upon new entry into the daycare center or when changing daycare centers.
After an illness, your child does not need a certificate from the pediatrician's office to return to daycare. A so-called "health certificate " is not required, although some facilities may request it. Pediatricians no longer issue such certificates. The practices are in place to treat sick children and are not obligated to issue certificates for institutions.
Conclusion for you
The vaccination certificate is sufficient for measles protection, but does not replace the health certificate
The daycare suitability certificate is not a legal requirement, but is often requested
You have to pay for them yourself
If you have any questions or are unsure, please consult with your daycare center or pediatrician.
