A long-term study unique in Germany
The Bremen initiative for strengthening early childhood development (Brise) demonstrates how low-threshold support and assistance for families can positively influence the development of children.
The collaborative project, launched in 2017 and accompanied by a long-term study unique in Germany, is at the same time a successful example of the cooperation between the departments for social affairs, education and health within the framework of an integrated policy and cross-departmental coordinated work in the field of early childhood.
Exchange about opportunities for further development
During a visit to Bremen, Dr. Petra Bahr, State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Seniors, Women and Youth, discussed the importance of "Brise" for better development and educational outcomes as well as opportunities for further development in municipal support structures with Dr. Claudia Schilling, Senator for Labour, Social Affairs, Youth and Integration, Mark Rackles, Senator for Children and Education and Claudia Bernhard, Senator for Health, Women and Consumer Protection.
Huchting is a pilot social space for the prevention chain
Part of the exchange also included a visit to the "BRISE" laboratory at the University of Bremen, where the development of children aged six months to six years is monitored through various studies. A visit to the Robinsbalje neighborhood education center, a central location for the prevention chain approach in the pilot social area of Huchting, demonstrated the practical implementation of this approach. There, it became clear how services such as Tipp Tapp, the Family Center, the daycare center, the Bremen neighborhood parents' group, and the "Hippy" project provide concrete support to families by working together in a coordinated manner.
"Education policy begins from an early age"
Dr. Petra Bahr, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth: “Too many children in Germany have deficits in basic skills: in arithmetic, reading, and writing. And what isn't learned early on is all the more difficult to learn later. Education policy therefore begins from an early age. ‘Brise’ demonstrates how early support for families concretely improves children's developmental opportunities – from pregnancy to school age. We need precisely these kinds of evidence-based approaches for a future-oriented early childhood policy. The combination of scientific support and practical implementation makes the project a model for effective prevention and greater equality of opportunity throughout Germany.”
Brise's results have supra-regional significance
Dr. Claudia Schilling, Senator for Labor, Social Affairs, Youth and Integration: “Through ‘Brise,’ we gain reliable management knowledge for municipal practice, seeing what works and how the development and educational opportunities of children from birth to school entry can be improved. We also want to contribute to reducing the consequences of child poverty. The results are already being incorporated into prevention efforts in the Huchting model area. At the same time, ‘Brise’ is a project that continuously deepens interdepartmental cooperation and networking. I am also very pleased that we are implementing this ambitious project together with the University of Bremen and a high-ranking scientific consortium. The results have supra-regional significance and are also transferable to other locations in Germany.”
Project connects daycare centers with health services, family education and early intervention programs
Marc Rackles, Senator for Children and Education: “'Brise' provides concrete support to families right in their own neighborhoods: The project connects daycare centers with health services, family education programs, and early intervention services, thus creating support for children and parents. Through 'Brise,' daycare centers become anchor points that help parents find their way around their local area. This also makes it easier for families to access early childhood education. It is important to me to ensure a smooth transition from daycare to primary school – with a shared educational plan for children from birth to ten years old and close cooperation between daycare centers and primary schools.”
Goals: Greater educational equity and better development opportunities
Claudia Bernhard, Senator for Health, Women and Consumer Protection: “The goal of ‘Brise’ is greater educational equity and better development opportunities. This led to the development of the support network in Bremen, which advises and empowers families. The Tipp Tapp program is crucial in this context. Healthcare professionals offer expectant parents low-threshold support as early as the maternity ward and guide them to further support services. I consider the expansion and financial security of this guidance system – as already demanded by the state senators and ministers of health in 2024 – to be absolutely essential.”
Starting school life is significantly easier
Prof. Dr. Olaf Köller, Managing Scientific Director at the IPN and head of the science consortium: “‘Brise’ is an initiative that, through close cooperation between politics, science and practice, supports children from disadvantaged families in their first six years of life in such a way that their start in school life is significantly made easier.”
Background of the 'Brise study':
'Brise' is a collaborative project involving science, administration, and practice. It is accompanied by a long-term study, unique in Germany, conducted by an interdisciplinary consortium of scientists. This study systematically examines the effects of early childhood education and support over several years – from pregnancy through primary school. The sample includes approximately 600 families.
The study is funded with a total of €14.8 million by the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth (duration 2016-2029). A third funding phase (2025-2028) was approved in 2025. The study results are being systematically implemented in practice, for example, using the prevention chain approach.
Source: Press Office of the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth and Press Office of the Senate of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, The Senator for Labour, Social Affairs, Youth and Integration / The Senator for Children and Education / The Senator for Health, Women and Consumer Protection, Press Release , 14 January 2026