Introduction/specifics

A place to grow, marvel, and be a child

"Children are not empty vessels—

they are little hearts on a journey.

We are not their helmsmen,

but their compass, their hand,

their support, and their resting place."

(Susanne Scholz, July 2025)

1. Introduction

The “Bummi” daycare center is located in an idyllic rural setting in the rural community of Buttstädt in the heart of the district of Großbrembach – surrounded by nature, spacious outdoor grounds, and nestled in a lively village community. We offer space for 48 children aged one year to school age, divided into four groups

• Ladybugs
• Bees
• Caterpillars
• Butterflies

Our educational work focuses on security, trust, self-efficacy, and experiencing nature. We believe that every child is an active participant in their own development. To this end, we give children the space, time, and attention they need for their individual developmental steps. We also ensure that they have access to stimulating and diverse materials for playing, discovering, and exploring.

Our goal: to make children strong for life – with a lot of heart, an appreciative attitude, and an eye for the essentials.

2. Premises

Our rooms are lovingly designed, functional, conducive to development, and tailored to the specific needs of each age group. They provide orientation, invite discovery and experimentation, and offer space for sufficient movement, but also for retreat and relaxation.

Each of our four group rooms:

• is spacious and bright
• has clearly structured functional areas (e.g. building, creative, role-playing, reading)
• offers individual design options and project areas
• In addition, we have:
• a multi-purpose room for sports, exercise, music, and celebrations
• rooms for teamwork and parent-teacher conferences

3. Outdoor area

Our outdoor area is spacious, close to nature, and full of opportunities for play, discovery, and exercise.

• Children can expect:
• a spacious garden with natural play areas
• sandboxes, a swing, climbing towers
• shrubs, meadows, and small retreats
• several raised beds that are planted together with the children, e.g., with
• vegetables, herbs, lettuce, and strawberries
• Space for free play, project work, and shared experiences

A special highlight:

In April 2025, as part of a project, our three chickens Hugo, Erna, and Birgit hatched at our facility.Since then, they have been part of the daycare family. The children care for them, observe them daily with the educators, and learn responsibility, mindfulness, and appreciation for living creatures and nature.

4. Pedagogy

Our pedagogical work is based on the Thuringian education plan and the situation-oriented approach. We work in a movement-friendly, nature-oriented, holistic, and child-centered manner.

What is important to us:

• The child is the focus—with their strengths, interests, and needs.
• Learning and development take place on the basis of stable and reliable relationships, (sensory) experiences, and participation.
• Nature and the environment are central educational spaces.
• Health, self-efficacy, and everyday topics are integral parts of our educational work.

What this means:

• Children actively shape their everyday lives according to their age and stage of development.
• Projects arise from their interests, needs, questions, and observations.
• Play is an integral part of every day.
• Freedom, rituals, and recurring routines and structures provide orientation and security.

5. Team

Our team consists of:

• four state-certified educators
• a technical assistant who provides us with active support

We see ourselves as companions, inspirers, listeners, and trailblazers. With heart, experience, and attitude, we create an environment in which children feel safe and can grow.

6. Parent cooperation / educational partnership

We see parents as the most important partners in their children's education and development process. That is why we practice trusting, transparent, and respectful cooperation with parents. We treat parents as equals—with openness, trust, and a genuine interest in mutual success.

This means:

• regular communication in everyday life
• development meetings & individual counseling
• Involvement in projects, celebrations, and excursions
• Active participation in the parents' council
• Regular parents' evenings
• Space for ideas, criticism, and joint planning

7. Catering

• Lunch is delivered fresh daily by Diakonie Apolda.
• The food is varied, balanced, and child-friendly.

Parents are responsible for

• Breakfast
• afternoon snacks
• a water bottle for the day

8. Special features

Our daycare center is special because we are deliberately small and informal and close to the children.

What sets us apart:

• A dedicated, consistent team with heart, experience, and a passion for education Focus
• on building and shaping relationships (as consistent caregivers as possible throughout the entire daycare period)
• Closeness to nature
• Our three chickens – Hugo, Erna, and Birgit – are lovingly cared for and interacted with daily.

We are happy to take the time to answer your questions or introduce our daycare during a visit. Feel free to contact us! Contact: Phone: 03645160372