Munich, January 30 – The private daycare center Kita Paula und Max in Munich-Aubing has temporarily ceased operations following the mass resignation of its entire educational staff. The closure has left around 50 families in a state of uncertainty, though initial signs of a resolution are now emerging.
Sudden Resignations Lead to Closure
Parents initially reported satisfaction with the Kita, which their children had attended since summer 2025. However, in December, a significant number of staff absences due to illness were noted. The situation escalated in mid-January when the parents’ council announced that all educators had resigned, prompting the temporary closure of the facility located on Wiesentfelser Straße.
The Kita Paula und Max is one of nine such centers in Munich and is part of the international Partou Group, which operates 69 facilities across Germany. The Munich locations receive subsidies under the city’s Kita funding program.
Staff Shortages and Industry-Wide Challenges
A spokesperson for the Kita operator confirmed that four pedagogical specialists and the facility’s management at Wiesentfelser Straße had resigned. These resignations, combined with ongoing illness-related absences, made it impossible to maintain normal operations. Citing data protection, the operator declined to comment on the specific reasons behind the resignations.
This incident highlights a broader issue within the childcare sector. A nationwide study by the Bertelsmann Foundation revealed that only about 12 percent of Kitas in Bavaria meet the recommended staff-to-child ratio. Furthermore, one in ten Kitas operates with less than 60 percent of the personnel deemed necessary for high-quality education and care. Nearly half (48 percent) of Bavarian facilities operate with only 60 to 80 percent of the recommended staff.
Path to Reopening and Future Plans
Despite the temporary closure, the operator has begun to restore limited childcare services. This is being achieved through a combination of temporary staff, one remaining employee, and additional support from another Munich facility. Recruitment efforts are also underway, with the operator expressing confidence in filling the vacant positions promptly.
“We are aware that this situation presents significant challenges for many families,” the spokesperson stated. “We are in close communication with the parents’ council, families, and the local specialized authority of the City of Munich.” The parents’ council declined to comment on the matter.
Addressing the Shortage of Skilled Workers
The overall staffing situation in Kitas is worsening due to a shortage of skilled workers and high staff turnover. The demand for qualified personnel often cannot be met. To counter this, the operator is developing strategies for staff recruitment, training partnerships, and initiatives for employee retention and health promotion. Despite these efforts, the staffing situation remains tense across many social institutions nationwide.
A positive development for parents is the assurance that a permanent closure of the Kita on Wiesentfelser Straße and termination of childcare contracts are not anticipated. Families can expect a return to full-scale childcare services as early as February.
