Introduction

Kita Ramba Zamba e.V. is a parent-run initiative currently caring for 36 children aged 1–6, organized into two mixed-age groups and supported by 9 educational professionals. Housed in a heritage-listed villa over a century old, our 360-square-meter space offers plenty of room for playing, moving, talking, experiencing, socializing, and experimenting. Our expansive, nature-oriented outdoor area is a true gem—one we make use of in any weather. Furthermore, fresh meals are prepared on-site every day. If you would like to learn more, please visit our website or stop by in person—for example, during one of our large flea markets.

Outdoor Facilities

The outdoor area features real trees, large rhododendron thickets, raspberries, blackberries, a raised garden bed with herbs and flowers, and a cherry tree. There are stones and tree trunks for balancing, a nest swing, a hammock for younger children, a slide, tunnels, a play mound, teepees, a fire pit, a construction trailer serving as an exploration station, two sand play areas, sticks, branches, a sun terrace, an outdoor studio, a water-and-mud play installation, a leaf trampoline, an underground telephone system, as well as ducks, rabbits, beetles, earthworms, a wide variety of birds, and much more.

Rooms

Each group has its own dedicated, unique group room. For the 1–4-year-olds, there is plenty of open space for crawling, along with soft rugs, cozy corners, a small doll corner, sheepskins, mirrors, an exceptionally long sofa, books, and a wide variety of play materials suited to this age group. Right next door is the "Cloud Room"—a sleeping area that includes a separate changing station and a selection of beds to suit different preferences. In the studio, both the younger children and the older children from the other group can bring their creative ideas to life. The space for 3–6-year-olds features various nooks and corners, including a building area on a rug in the bay window—which also serves as the setting for morning circle gatherings—a space for painting and crafts, a playhouse for role-playing, and dedicated "discovery corners" focused on specific themes. The facilities also include a small movement room, a role-play area within the spacious cloakroom, a washroom with toilets, and a large kitchen.

Daily Schedule

The daily routine differs between the two groups, reflecting their respective age ranges. For the 1–4-year-olds, the focus is primarily on continuity, established rituals, and a reliable daily structure. Nap times and mealtimes are adapted as much as possible to the individual needs of each child. For the older children, the day is organized more along the lines of an "open" pedagogical approach: they choose activities and play areas based on their own needs, take on tasks that highlight their specific strengths, and participate in projects that they help shape. Naturally, there are still fixed rituals and touchpoints throughout the day—such as the morning circle, breakfast, lunch, and reading sessions—to provide a sense of orientation.

Food

Breakfast is served on a flexible, rolling basis, as children arrive at different times. Children bring their own breakfast from home, while the daycare center provides drinks (milk, water, and tea). We supplement this with fresh fruit, and on Thursdays, the center offers a breakfast buffet—which varies from week to week and is prepared with the help of some of the children. Lunch is eaten within each child’s respective group; the meals are freshly prepared by our cook. In the afternoon, the center provides a small snack—such as fruit, sandwiches, or baked goods—which is also typically prepared on-site. We do not force children to eat; from a certain age, they are encouraged to serve themselves, and they are still offered dessert even if they have not finished their main course. We place great importance on healthy, locally sourced food and on the prevention of eating disorders.

Basics

The foundations of our pedagogical work are the "situation-oriented approach" (developed by Armin Krenz) and child-centered pedagogy, all framed by our guiding motto: "Art and Culture in Nature." Further details can be found on our website under the "Concept" section.

Employee

At the Ramba Zamba daycare center, the staff consists exclusively of state-certified educators (both female and male) and a curative education nurse/special needs caregiver. In addition, there is an intern completing their professional training.

Additional Offerings

Additional activities arise from the interests, needs, and topics that we explore together with the children; consequently, these change from year to year. A special program for children about to start school is the "Könner-Club" ("Skills Club")—a project focused on developing new abilities, based on Ben Furman’s "Kids' Skills" ("Ich schaff's") approach.

Cooperations

Cooperation partners include primary schools, early intervention centers, vocational schools, and physicians.

Teamwork with parents

We hold regular parent evenings at our daycare center—at least once every quarter. These sessions cover topics related to our pedagogical work, our conceptual approach, and/or subjects of particular importance to parents. Twice a year, we offer individual meetings with parents to discuss their child’s development; additional meetings can also be arranged whenever necessary. We organize various parent-focused activities, workshops, and celebrations, all of which are planned and carried out in collaboration with parents. Before a child joins the center, we conduct intake interviews and offer "taster" sessions. Furthermore, parents receive all essential information via our website or through newsletters.

News

For further information, please refer to our detailed website!

www.kita-rambazamba.de

Projects

All the latest information can be found on the website!
www.kita-rambazamba.de

Description and Stations

The daycare center is located in the former Halbrock villa, opposite the Porta goods collection area. If you are coming from the city center, take Detmolder Straße toward the A2 motorway and look for the Porta furniture store.