According to the Federal Statistical Office, 3.9 million children were cared for by around 778,000 early childhood educators in 2024. These are trained childcare professionals working e.g., in daycare and preschool settings (in German: Erzieherinnen und Erzieher). The number of days of sickness absence among early childhood educators has risen in recent years and is higher than in other professions. Data from the 2024 BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey show that these educators are exposed to high levels of mental and physical stress. They report greater overload, noise, and physical strain - and at the same time less autonomy, reward, and support - than other employees. Work redesign and prevention measures are urgently needed to address these frequent health complaints.

English translation. German original version available:
doi:10.21934/baua:fakten20250716