In Kauderwelsch, the child is at the center of everything we do. All our actions are guided by the fundamental needs of the children. While our daily events follow a structured routine, they are often adapted to meet the current and individual needs of the children.
We minimize fixed ‘Scheduled Events’ that interrupt the children’s play. Providing the opportunity and ability for children to play freely is a fundamental part of their development. It’s here that they learn with all their senses in social situations appropriate for their individual growth. We closely observe, guide, and encourage them throughout these processes.
Kauderwelsch has two groups, each with its dedicated teaching staff, offering every child a peer group. Despite this group structure, children often experience open doors throughout the center during various parts of the day. This allows them to interact with both older and younger children, as well as all the adults in the center. These gentle transitions benefit each child’s develoment.
A typical day at Kauderwelsch
From 8:00 am: Children arrive and are warmly greeted by the teaching staff. Parents are welcome to spend time with us, facilitating a smooth transition into the daycare or kindergarten day. Many children dive right into group play, often exploring all the rooms.
From 9:00 am: Each group begins the day with a morning circle to welcome everyone. Following this, the group has breakfast together. Children bring their own breakfast snacks from home. Once a week in each group, there’s a ‘big breakfast’ that the children and adults prepare together.
From 10:30 am: After washing up and handling other necessities like diaper changes, the children have playtime both indoors and outdoors. During this time, educational projects are available to the children, and the group may go on small outings. Sometimes, there are projects that involve children from both age groups, such as playing together in the garden or participating in open-age projects on Thursdays.
From 12:00 noon: Lunchtime arrives, featuring an organic, vegetarian meal delivered by Götterspeisen. The younger children (toddlers) eat first, as they are often tired from their playtime and look forward to naptime. In the kindergarten group, there is also a quiet time after lunch, allowing children to follow their need for sleep, hear stories, or engage in other calm activities. Once a week, parents take turns preparing the lunch meal for their group.
From 2:00 pm: After all the children have had time to rest, there’s additional playtime and a group tidy-up session. The group day concludes with a collective circle.
From 3:00 pm: Those who are hungry can choose a snack, and children continue playing or are picked up. Parents are welcome to join and stay for this part of this part of the day.