Embracing Courage from the Starting Point
As the new kindergarten year approaches, families in Düsseldorf face unique challenges. The city, however, remains committed to supporting its residents, especially during these trying times.
Parents and kindergarten staff are particularly challenged in helping children adjust to the new normal. The past year has been demanding for everyone, and this transition phase is no exception. Processing fears and worries is part of the adjustment phase for children, and patience and understanding are key.
Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there are signs of a return to near-normal operations in Düsseldorf's kindergartens. As of July 2025, no explicit public plans or new restrictions related to the pandemic or employee vaccination status have been reported. Most COVID-19 legal restrictions across sectors, including education, have been relaxed or integrated into broader public health frameworks.
Vaccination of employees in early childhood settings may be recommended but no longer legally mandated, reflecting widespread vaccination campaigns and high levels of immunity in the population. Kindergartens likely continue standard hygiene and ventilation practices, with contingency plans for outbreaks but no strict pandemic lockdowns or closures unless a local outbreak demands temporary measures.
The city is well-equipped for the new kindergarten year. As of mid-June, 80% of the employees are vaccinated. New cases are mainly occurring in the context of returning from vacation. Flexibility and quick reaction to changes in the pandemic's course during the kindergarten year is necessary.
A new adjustment phase for many children is expected, as they need to get used to group life, rules, and handling conflicts. Many children have been away from kindergarten for a long time and need to learn to find their way back into daily life.
City officials, including Dagmar Niederlein and Hintzsche, are key figures in the city's kindergarten plans. They are optimistic about the upcoming school year, expressing confidence in the city's preparation and readiness to handle any challenges that may arise.
In light of the evolving situation, it is crucial to consult official communications from the Düsseldorf city government, the NRW Ministry of Education, or the local health authorities for precise, up-to-date details on Kindergarten operations and pandemic-related policies in Düsseldorf. These bodies provide authoritative guidance tailored to local epidemiological conditions.
Regular operations are starting, but they are not business as usual, comparable to the pre-pandemic situation. The city stands by the families in Düsseldorf, even in a constantly growing city with increased need for care. The focus remains on supporting children and their parents in coping with the consequences of the Corona pandemic.
Science-based practices and health-and-wellness initiatives will likely be prioritized in Düsseldorf's kindergartens, as the emphasis remains on supporting children's mental health during this adjustment phase. With education and self-development as key principles, staff will be equipped to handle the unique challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic. Learning environments will also focus on fostering resilience and promoting a smooth transition back to group life, rules, and conflict resolution.
