Abstract
Germany is facing demographic change, with the number of people in employment set to fall significantly by 2050. A sustainable education policy is crucial to counteract the shortage of skilled labour. Early investment in education, especially in disadvantaged families, is particularly effective according to skills formation theory. Families and day care centres play a central role here. In order to reduce educational inequalities, measures such as the expansion of early childcare, better support for parents and standardised quality standards for daycare centres are required. An education fund could ensure long-term, equivalent provision.