Concept
In our kindergarten, children have the right to understanding, safety, and free development. This results in responsibilities for both educators and parents. Only together can our educational work be successful, and the concept forms an important building block for this collaboration.
Our Image of the Child
From the moment they are born, children actively shape their own development and personality. They explore the world playfully through independent action, acquiring knowledge as they go. The child is at the heart of everything we do. Our role is to foster an environment built on trust, where each child can be appropriately supported, gently challenged, and encouraged to grow. We recognize and build upon their
unique abilities with a variety of activities, always mindful of their individual developmental stage.
The Role of Our Educators
We embrace a democratic educational style, partnering with children and respecting them as individuals. We respond to the specific needs of each age group by creating stimulating environments and spaces for exploration. We place importance on consistency; rules and agreements, often developed
together with the children, are upheld. Positive reinforcement and recognition are key. We strive to be reliable, trustworthy figures who offer support when needed. Our focus is on nurturing independent, confident individuals. We encourage children to choose their own playmates and empower them to resolve conflicts and solve problems independently, stepping in with guidance or gentle prompts when
necessary.
Areas of Learning and Development
Play is our primary method of learning. Through carefully chosen resources, activities, and supportive educators, children have the freedom to express themselves creatively and explore themselves and the world around them without pressure.
Health & Wellbeing
Guided by the belief that “there is no bad weather, only unsuitable clothing,” we make time for outdoor play every day. We place great emphasis on a varied and healthy diet. Breakfast and afternoon snacks are prepared fresh daily in our kindergarten, often using organic ingredients. Lunch is provided by a certified caterer.
Social & Cultural Life
We actively foster a caring community by discussing how we treat one another, encouraging esponsibility for others’ wellbeing, promoting empathy, and resolving conflicts fairly. We model cooperation and encourage collaborative play. Children are encouraged to approach each other with openness, form friendships, and express their emotions. We provide a warm, accepting atmosphere where feelings can be shared and managed with our support. We celebrate seasonal festivals throughout the year, including Carnival, Easter, our Summer Festival, St. Martin’s Day, St. Nicholas Day, and Christmas, using them as
engaging learning themes.
Language & Communication
Language is woven into the fabric of our daily routine. We naturally narrate everyday activities and storybooks, and enrich the day with songs, rhymes, and finger plays. We view children as equal partners in conversation. We take time to engage in meaningful dialogue, showing genuine interest in their activities. Through active listening and thoughtful questioning, we encourage them to express their thoughts
and ideas.
Creative Arts
Artistic expression enhances perception, imagination, and creativity. Experimenting with diverse materials—such as paint, water, paper, wire, paste, sand, wood, and clay—invites discovery. Through crafting, designing, painting, and building, children learn various techniques. Art materials are freely accessible in the group rooms, allowing children to learn from and inspire one another, building confidence while
refining their fine motor skills and sensory awareness.
Mathematics
Mathematical thinking begins in the earliest years. Children gather foundational experiences with numbers, shapes, quantities, weight, size, and time through play. Math is part of our daily rhythm—children learn to recognize patterns and order, sort natural treasures by attribute, and solve fitting puzzles. We integrate counting into movement and practical situations, like sharing toys or snacks, laying the groundwork for numeracy.
Nature, Environment & Science
Children are natural investigators, driven to understand the world around them. They ask questions, explore with all their senses, and make their first scientific discoveries. Through hands-on experimentation with elements like water, soil, and air, they grasp simple cause-and-effect relationships and develop a foundational understanding of the natural world. On our walks, we closely observe stones, leaves, insects, and spiders in their habitats.
Observation & Documentation
A central tool for observation is each child’s Language Learning Portfolio. Started when they join us, it accompanies them until they begin school. Children have ongoing access to their portfolio. They can contribute to it by adding photos from home or drawing pictures about their life, making it a personal record. We also conduct regular learning conversations where children talk about their interests. These methods provide rich opportunities for language development, and by recording their words accurately, we gain clear insights into their linguistic progress and areas for further support.
Supporting Transitions Settling In
To ensure a positive start, we follow the Berlin Transition Model, which typically involves a three-week settling-in period. We recognize that every child adjusts differently, and we tailor the process individually, working closely with parents every step of the way to ensure the child feels secure with us, their new peers, and the environment.
Transition to School
We strive to make the move from kindergarten to primary school as smooth as possible for children and families. We keep parents informed on all relevant aspects of school readiness and seek to build partnerships with local primary schools to facilitate visits and familiarization. Our pre-school children also participate in weekly, age-appropriate activities designed to specifically nurture the skills and confidence needed for school.
Participation & Inclusion
We are committed to bias-conscious education and explicitly oppose all forms of exclusion and discrimination. This involves exploring diverse cultures and faiths and ensuring all children have a voice in decisions affecting their daily life. Every child’s opinion is valued equally. Our environment is designed for participation: doors are open for free movement, resources are accessible on open shelves, and children are encouraged to do what they can for themselves. The morning circle is a key forum for participation. Here, we share feelings, plan the day together, and make collective decisions about activities, outings, or rules. It’s also a space to reflect on our community: What are our agreements? What is fair? How do
we care for each other and our shared things?
Partnership with Parents
As a small, family-oriented kindergarten, we highly value close collaboration with parents. A trusting relationship and regular communication are essential for us to support each child effectively. We believe a successful partnership is only possible when both children and parents feel welcome and comfortable.
To build this foundation, we schedule an introductory meeting before a child joins us. This allows both families and educators to get to know each other, share information about the child, and discuss expectations. Daily informal chats at pick-up time keep parents informed. Additionally, we hold at
least one formal developmental review per year (or more if needed) to discuss the child’s progress, share observations, and plan support together. We provide insights into our work through displays of children’s creations and informational notices. Parents are always welcome to look around and hear directly
from their children about their projects. Parent representatives are elected annually at our parents’ evenings. Alongside the educators, they serve as a contact point for the parent community, a channel for
suggestions, ideas, or concerns.
