Our Work6 children ranging in age from 4 months up to 12 months are cared for in one infant group. In each of the five day care groups, 8 children from one to three years of age are cared for.Two qualified staff are responsible for each group. The main aim and basic pedagogical premise of our work is to give each child a sense of emotional security by caring for the children in a kind and loving way, listening to them and accepting them as individuals. However, we can only do this if you as a parent trust us and allow us to gain the trust of your children. We see our role quite distinctly from that of a replacement for the family. It is important to us to take on a balancing and complementary function to the domestic situation. Our most important pedagogic aims are the development of social skills, sensory-motor skill development and the physiological development of the children. Children’s social skills are promoted using group games and activities, excursions and walks. The children learn to show consideration and tolerance towards others, to solve conflict constructively and to find their place in a group situation. The development of sensory-motor skills (speech development and development of the cognitive skills) is promoted by practising speech awareness, getting to know and recognising form and content by means of picture books, singing and other exercises. In this context the word ‘intelligence’ is not overly significant from our point of view. We categorise skills in terms of developmental stage. With regard to physiological development, observation and comparison are the fundamental methods applicable in childcare. With targeted activities such as grabbing hold of objects, crawling, running and jumping (general motor skills) as well as finger games and puzzles (fine motor skills) we are not aiming to promote development, but simply to suitably accommodate the normal biological development of the children. We consider an emphasis on achievement more likely to damage children than help them, and we therefore believe it is more important to give children a solid basis in using learned skills. Comparison will then allow the early recognition of any observed conspicuous behaviour. It is our aim to give you as a parent our considered advice in recommending the appropriate measures. Group Arrangement Every group has a play area, a sleeping area, its own toilet facility and a nappy changing room. The resting area can also be used by children who want to have some quiet time, for example for role play, listening to tapes or looking at books. Two outside playgrounds are integrated into our facility. The lunchtime meal is prepared in our own kitchen. Working with Parents We encourage a close, frank and trusting relationship with the parents of our children. We hope that differing viewpoints, constructive criticism and suggestions can be freely aired between you as parents and our childcare workers. We request that we be informed of any changes to the domestic situation such as the birth of a sibling, moving house or parents who are separating, as this can make our work with the children concerned much easier and it helps us to understand altered behaviour. We are available for in-depth discussions at the monthly parent evening or home visit. This is the forum for organisational questions, problems and any particular topics which need to be discussed. Regular participation is up to the individual. The parents of each group choose from among themselves a representative and a deputy. The parent committee of the whole childcare facility then elects a chairperson and a deputy at the first constituted meeting. In particular areas the parents have the right to make recommendations, e.g. staff appointments, staff termination of contract, the layout of the rooms etc. |
