Introduction/specifics

Welcome to Maria Ward Kindergarten!

In our family-oriented kindergarten, with two kindergarten groups, we want to be a familiar and safe companion for your child and you for the upcoming kindergarten time.

We view the child as an active and competent co-creator of their learning process, who is individual due to their characteristics, abilities, and skills.

The child is supported and encouraged during its current developmental phase.

All children, regardless of nationality and origin, are lovingly accepted and cared for in our kindergarten.

Our educational focus is on the situation-based approach and the partially open concept.

We would be very happy to welcome you and your child(ren) here.

Your team from Maria Ward Kindergarten

Rooms

Our facility has two group rooms, which are lovingly decorated according to the situation approach.

Each group room offers children the opportunity to engage in activities based on their interests, conduct research, and continue their education through play.

"Understanding the world through play" is taken literally with the following play areas:

Building and construction corner, doll play area, painting and creative corner, cuddle and rest corner, reading sofa, play rug

Additionally, children have the opportunity to use the following play areas throughout the house:

• a dollhouse corner
• a vehicle corner
• a railway table
• the fantasy world
• the gymnasium
• the garden

Our dining room is used for breakfast and lunch. Additionally, cooking and baking are done there together with the children.

Every child has their own locker with enough space for clothes, shoes, rain boots, hats, and everything else they need.

Outdoor Facilities

Our Garden

Our expansive garden overlooking the small lake invites the children to discover, play, and marvel every day. Whether on the swing, in the large sandbox, or on the climbing frame with slide - every child will find their favorite spot here. Our mud kitchen is especially popular, where children "cook" and "mud" with a lot of imagination.

Two playhouses, bushes, and our fun play cow invite you to play and hide. There is enough space on the large meadow to run around, play soccer, or enjoy stories and music from the Toniebox on a picnic blanket.

Our diverse vehicles - from tricycles to tractors - provide plenty of movement and driving fun in the garden.

In our raised beds, the children plant vegetables together and experience firsthand how they grow.

At the large tables outside, people paint, craft, and laugh - our garden is a place full of life, nature, and joy.

Daily Schedule

This is what a day looks like for us at the kindergarten:

7:15 AM – 8:30 AM Breakfast

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM Free play time

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Morning circle

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Shared breakfast

10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Free play time, educational activities, walks, gardening time, and more.

12:00 - 12:30 First pickup time

12:30–02:00 PM Lunch and rest time

14:00 – 14:30 Second pickup time

14:30 – 16:00 Free play time, educational offerings, and more.

16:00 – 16:15 Last pickup time

Food

At our kindergarten, the children bring their breakfast from home. On special days, like Müsli Day, there is a delicious buffet with fresh fruit and various types of muesli or a shared breakfast.

We receive our daily lunch freshly delivered. It is balanced, vegetarian as needed and without pork - and there is always a salad or vegetables. We eat together with the children in the dining room, where each child has their own place. The children can decide for themselves what and how much they want to eat. We, the educational staff, eat together as an example and to create a pleasant, communal atmosphere.

Basics

"Children should play more than many children do nowadays." For, when you play enough while you are small, you carry treasures with you from which you can draw later on throughout your life.

~ Astrid Lindgren

When a child feels comfortable and accepted, it begins to discover the world. We want to accompany your child on this journey of discovery. The child is at the center of our work. It is important to discover and promote their interests and talents, because enthusiasm is needed for learning.

We work in our kindergarten using the situation-oriented approach. This means that the child is at the center with their feelings, needs, desires, and competencies.

The situation-based approach emphasizes the children's self-activity, their curiosity, and their ability to co-create their learning process.By taking into account the living situations and world of the children, a practical and needs-oriented pedagogy is made possible.

The focus of our work is not on producing or manufacturing measurable and visible results, but on the processes and learning experiences. The focus is not on the result, but on what the child has experienced and learned in the process.

We build on the existing skills and abilities of each individual child. At our kindergarten, the children have the right to actively participate in shaping their lives together, according to their age.

Participation is the foundation, as well as the acceptance of uniqueness.

Our educational approach

Our approach to children is characterized by respectful and empathetic treatment. Of particular note is the recognition of the individual personality of each child, as well as unconditional appreciation.

Each child is accepted as they are and is individually supported in their development with appropriate support and loving attention.

More than just an educational approach

The needs of children are constantly changing, and so is the pedagogy. That's why our daily work involves more than just a situation-oriented approach.

Due to our spatial circumstances, we can offer a partially open concept that allows children to freely develop, flexibly design their learning environment, and promote social interaction among children.

To support the independence of the children, our educational work also includes approaches from Maria Montessori, following the motto "Help me do it myself"

Employee

Our team consists of 9 educational professionals, as well as various auxiliary staff and full-time and part-time interns.

Each team member contributes to the success of our educational mission by using their individual skills and willingness to professionally guide children in their individual educational and developmental processes.

Additional Offerings

Music School

The music school comes to our kindergarten once a week. Together with a music educator, the children discover the world of tones, sounds, and instruments. You can drum, sing, dance, and try out how music is made. The fun of making music is always the main focus.

Forest and Sea Days

On our forest and sea days, we spend a lot of time in nature. We go on a discovery tour together, research, observe, and experience the surroundings with all our senses. The children learn about plants and animals, experience how the seasons change, and practice mindful interaction with nature. In addition to many exciting experiences, the community is also strengthened - through playing, climbing, balancing, and exploring together, trust in oneself and in the group grows.

Müsli Day

On Müsli Day, we prepare a healthy breakfast together. The children cut fruit, mix yogurt and cereal, and help set the buffet table. They learn to be mindful of food and discover the amount of work and joy that goes into preparing it. We talk about healthy eating and try new things.

Sport Day

On Turn Day, movement is the focus! The children can run around, balance, climb, jump, and run. We promote coordination, balance, strength, and endurance through varied movement activities. Movement not only makes you strong, it also boosts self-confidence and fosters a love of your own body.

Toy Day

Once a month, we have a toy day. On this day, each child is allowed to bring their favorite toy to the kindergarten, show it to the other children, and play with it.

Come in Days

Twice a year, we invite the families of our kindergarten children to two "Come and see" days. On these days, mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, aunt, etc. have the opportunity to experience kindergarten life up close. The children are the experts and show you their daily life. From morning circle, to playing together, to breakfast - they get to know your child's kindergarten day from a new perspective.

You can find all the additional offers and projects under the (Collaborations) section.

Cooperations

Our partnerships - Experience, discover and learn together

Library

We regularly visit the local library. There, the children immerse themselves in the world of stories, learn how to handle books, and are allowed to browse and borrow books on their own. Reading and storytelling together playfully awakens the joy of reading and promotes language development.

Ice Sports Arena

In the winter, it's time to hit the ice! The children try ice skating with great joy and courage. In doing so, they not only improve their balance and coordination, but also their self-confidence.

Police

The police also come to our kindergarten once a year for traffic education. Together with a police officer, the children experience the correct behavior in road traffic, such as how to cross the zebra crossing, what the colors of the traffic lights mean, and much more.

Fire Department

A real highlight is the visit from the fire department for a fire safety drill. Children are allowed to view the fire trucks up close, learn about the exciting work of firefighters, and discover the importance of safety and unity. Trying on the helmet always brings out shining eyes.

Corn Maze

An exciting adventure awaits us once a year in the corn maze. Together, the children find the right path, discover nature, and learn the importance of teamwork and navigation. Of course, the fun is the main focus.

Farm

A visit to the farm is a regular part of our annual program. Here, children learn where our food comes from, how to feed and pet animals, and experience life in the countryside firsthand. Direct contact with animals and nature often stays in one's memory for a long time.

Early intervention

A key component of our partnerships is collaboration with the early intervention center. We work with early intervention specialists to support children in their individual development. Through regular communication, we can identify support needs early on and offer suitable assistance - always in close collaboration with the parents.

Elementary School

We are particularly committed to cooperating with the elementary school. Through various joint actions and visits, we support the children in transitioning from kindergarten to school. So they get to know the new environment early on and experience their first classes.

Life Saving Corps

Our kindergarten is located right by the small lake, and the lake days are a fixed part of our concept. Therefore, it is important to us that children learn the right behavior around water at an early age. The Lindau Lifeguard's Association helps us with this once a year.

Teamwork with parents

Good cooperation between parents and kindergarten is the foundation for the well-being and development of children. Only if we work together can we provide the best possible support and development for the children.

Parents are an important part of our community - especially at events like the summer festival or St. Martin's Day. These shared experiences not only strengthen the bond between them, but also show the children that their families and the kindergarten are closely connected.

Trust and exchange are particularly important in this regard. We place great importance on open and honest communication. You can get the latest information regularly through our daycare app or by looking at the bulletin board.

We provide insights into the daily routine of the daycare center with pictures and short reports, allowing you to participate in your children's experiences. Children also like to tell their families about what they have experienced together, creating a valuable connection between home and kindergarten.