The world's first kindergarten was founded in Germany in 1840 by educator Friedrich Froebel. Since then, this idea of child care has spread, and the English language even uses the German term "kindergarten."

Children in Germany have the right to child care starting from the age of one –at least according to the law. But the fact is, there are not enough spots, and most children go to kindergarten from the age of three. Generally, fees are paid, and the prices depend on how much the parents earn. In addition to municipal and religious kindergartens, there are many alternatives, like forest kindergartens based on a Danish model. Educators spend the entire day with the children in the great outdoors... be it in sunshine, rain or snow. The kids and the adults only go inside a heated shelter, like a construction trailer, during hazardous weather. This guarantees that they won't get struck by lightning as Harry did or perhaps even end up in a time warp!