Abstract
<jats:p>The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the German early childhood education system through the lens of its structural components' typology. It is established that the key factor in the variability of the German model is the legally enshrined principle of subsidiarity, which ensures decentralized management and the delegation of authority to non-governmental organizations, while maintaining state financial support and quality control. The authors justifies a five-component classification of German ECEC institutions based on the following criteria: traditionality (classic vs. innovative); ownership and funding structures; duration of children's stay; underlying pedagogical concepts; and regional specifics. The typological diversity of preschool institutions in Germany is not a frozen system: it is constantly evolving, responding to the needs of society. The demand for places for children up to three years old is growing, the range of full-time programs is expanding, and innovative concepts of education are being actively implemented. At the same time, the system faces a number of challenges: a shortage of teaching staff, an uneven distribution of resources between federal states, differences in parental financial contributions. These problems stimulate the further search for a balance between state regulation and public or private initiatives. The new Law of Ukraine “On Preschool Education” significantly modernizes the types of institutions, bringing them closer to European, in particular German, standards. Special emphasis is placed on the relevance of the German experience for the current transformation of Ukrainian educational legislation. The study proves that the adaptation of specific institutional models from the FRG will facilitate the diversification of the ECEC network in Ukraine and enhance its responsiveness to the demands of local communities.</jats:p>