Mueßer Holz • Individuality and Multilingualism in this facility run by Kita gGmbH: Toddler group, kindergarten, and after-school care are united under one roof. Here, children encounter diversity – this applies to the needs-oriented pedagogy as well as to languages. Kindergarten and after-school care are places where children feel comfortable, creating closeness and bonds as a solid foundation for language acquisition. In exemplary fashion, we make use of both traditional and modern media.

We embrace a needs-oriented approach in both kindergarten and after-school care, enabling children to develop an independent, individual way of engaging with the world. With 48 toddler places, 130 kindergarten places, and 132 after-school places, we rely on open structures. At any time, children can follow their need for play and joy, for music, dance, fairy tales, and stories, for togetherness and solitude. Children constantly encounter questions and come up with ideas they want to realize with others. We trust in children's activities and support them when they seek help. A key focus of our pedagogical work is each child's language development. Language skills are essential for our children’s developmental journey.

We live democracy. Children learn to respect the interests of others and discover that a self-determined life often requires the support of others.

Learning environments have been designed through unique architecture to provide inspiring free spaces. The toddler group and kindergarten are housed in four interconnected buildings, thematically and visually representing sand, water, and forest. In the “Sand House” nest, crèche children can feel secure while still observing the goings-on in other areas, nurturing their curiosity to eventually move into the kindergarten spaces – the “Water House” or the “Forest House.” A view of the schoolyard is especially important for preschoolers, as is contact with schoolchildren and teachers. The after-school care in the neighboring modern school is spacious and offers excellent opportunities for both individual and group leisure activities.

Our staff view each child as an independent individual and often quote the Lebanese-American philosopher Khalil Gibran: “You may give children your love, but not your thoughts. For they have their own.”