How do I find the right kindergarten?

Checklist for kindergarten: the most important questions

The checklist for kindergarten gives you an overview of the most important questions you should ask yourself when looking for the right kindergarten. You will be able to answer some of them during the tour of the kindergarten and others in conversation with the educators.

place of residence and time

• Proximity to where you live: Is it important to you that you can walk your child to the facility quickly in the morning? Or that friends or relatives live nearby in case something should happen? And of course that many of his playmates also live nearby?
• Opening times: The opening times of the kindergarten are particularly important if you work. Are you able to pick up your child? Do your working hours overlap with the opening hours? Is the kindergarten flexible? And how long does the facility close during the holidays?
• Costs: The costs for kindergarten vary greatly in Germany, depending on the kindergarten model and provider. What are the costs? Do meals, club fees, cleaning, handicrafts and other material costs have to be paid extra?
• Provider: When registering for a kindergarten , it is important to know whether the kindergarten you want has a state or private provider. This influences the registration times, criteria and costs for the kindergarten.

maintenance

• Group size: The well-being of your child is your top priority. Does it get along in large groups? If it still needs a lot of support, you should rather choose a kindergarten that has small groups.
• Personnel ratio: There should be at least two educators for every 25 children in order to ensure good care. What is the childcare ratio, i.e. how many children are there for one educator? And what happens when caregivers get sick?

educational concept

• Pedagogical concept: Whether Montessori , Waldorf , or forest kindergartens : Find out about the pedagogical concepts that the individual kindergartens follow and how they convey them. Think carefully about what learning goals you want for your child.
• Parents: How much parents should get involved varies from kindergarten to kindergarten. How much involvement is expected from parents? How much time do you want to invest yourself? Would you like to get involved in everyday kindergarten life?
• Settling in: For your child, going to kindergarten represents the beginning of a new phase of life. All children, teachers and the environment are unfamiliar. How do the educators organize the adjustment to the kindergarten ?
• Separation by age groups: Are different activities offered that are based on the age and developmental level of the children? Or do children of different ages deliberately play together?
• Integration of foreign children: Is integration a concern of the institution? Are the educators able to respond to children with a lack of German language skills and to integrate them into the activities despite problems in their communication?
• Free play: A daily schedule that is too tight is exhausting in the long run. Your child must be able to choose what they want to do at certain times. This promotes creativity and self-confidence.

rooms and equipment

• Furnishings: What does the kindergarten look like inside and out? Does the interior design invite you to play and learn? Are there enough play areas outside? In addition sandboxes, play castles and the like? Do the premises offer enough space?
• Opportunities to withdraw: Cuddling or reading corners are also important, because every child needs the opportunity to withdraw from time to time.
• Places to sleep: Is it possible for your child to take a nap in the afternoon?
• Hygiene: Are the toilets and washrooms clean? Are the children taught about essential things such as washing their hands after going to the toilet and brushing their teeth? Can they go to the toilets and washrooms at any time and do they get help? You should definitely ask yourself these questions, because children easily become infected with diseases if the hygiene leaves something to be desired.
• Romp: Your child should have the opportunity to move not only in the sun, but also in bad weather. Gymnasiums or sufficiently large hallways should be available for this.

additional offers

• Sport: A healthy mind belongs in a healthy body. The kindergarten should offer gymnastics lessons, as well as movement games that promote your child’s motor skills.
• Music: Are singing and making music an integral part of everyday kindergarten life?
• Games and handicrafts: In order to promote your child’s fine motor skills, activities such as games and handicrafts are essential. Are there enough creative activities on offer?
• Excursions: Does the kindergarten bring its protégés closer to the environment? Are there trips to the great outdoors or maybe to interesting places in the area?
• Family center: Does the kindergarten organize group trips with the parents and their children?