A long-term study unique in Germany – the Bremen initiative for strengthening early childhood development (Brise) shows how low-threshold support and assistance for families can positively influence the development of children.
Launched in 2017 and accompanied by a long-term study unique in Germany, this collaborative project is a successful example of cooperation between the ministries of social affairs, education, and health within the framework of integrated policy and coordinated, cross-departmental work in the field of early childhood. During a visit to Bremen, Dr. Petra Bahr, State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, discussed the significance of "Brise" for improved developmental and educational outcomes, as well as opportunities for further development within municipal support structures, with Dr. Claudia Schilling, Senator for Labor, 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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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 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 researchers. 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 systematically translated into 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
