Introduction/specifics

As a small, family-based, mixed-age institution of a parents' initiative, we identify with the co-constructive approach of the Hessian Education and Upbringing Plan. It has always been part of our self-image to involve parents and children as much as possible in all processes that affect them. Above all, we adapt the content to the needs of children and parents and the abilities of the staff. For us, free play and guided activities are not contradictory, but complement each other. It is this balance that makes our group special.

The Marburg Parent-Child Association (Marburger Eltern-Kind- Verein e.V.) runs nine facilities in the city of Marburg and currently looks after around 180 children aged between six months and school age. The association is a parents' initiative. We attach great importance to the protection of children, a trusting and familiar atmosphere and a cooperative partnership. In our facilities, children should be allowed to develop their talents and experience values such as tolerance, community and closeness to nature.

For more information see: https://www.eltern-kind-verein.de/

Rooms

There are five openly accessible rooms that can always be rearranged. If required, it is possible to reserve a room for nap time.

Outdoor Facilities

The outdoor area consists of a large lawn with playground equipment (with slide and swing),
a sandbox and a flower, vegetable and herb garden that we have created together with the residents,
and herb garden, as well as a paved area for bobby cars and bicycles.
 

Daily Schedule

Exemplary daily routine
8:00 - 9:00:
A teacher and the trainee prepare the group (clean out the dishwasher, prepare breakfast and rooms) and welcome the children in the large room (games are offered).
9:00 - 9:30:
Breakfast
9:30 - 10:00:
Morning circle
10:00 - 11:15:
Free play (usually outside) and specific activities. 
11:30 - 12:15:
Lunch
12:15 - 12:45:
Brushing teeth, kitchen duty, changing nappies, tidying up the group.
12:45 - 14:00:
Free play and specific activities (e.g. reading aloud or individual handicrafts)

Food

For breakfast, each child brings their own food and this should be sugar-free. 

Lunch for the children is prepared by the parents at home. Each family has to cook four times in three months. On the one hand, this involves work, but on the other hand, it gives the parents the freedom to organise the meals according to their ideas - and for the children and the team, it sometimes means wonderful exotic meals that they would otherwise not have come so easily.

Basics

The goal of comprehensive development and support touches on three dimensions of our work (which are not to be misunderstood as should not be misunderstood as rigidly demarcated areas): Play, education (in the narrower sense) and the imparting of values.

The primary goal is to create free space (both in terms of space and content) for happy and interesting play together in order to contribute to a beautiful childhood.

We want to offer activities and take up suggestions from the children in order to satisfy and encourage their curiosity and thirst for research as well as their need for (artistic) expression, so that they can recognise their own needs, wishes and talents.

Above all, we care about: respect for other people, their needs and wishes, but also for other living beings and respect for things. This includes a responsible use of resources.

For us, free play and guided activities are not contradictory, but complement each other. It is this balance that makes up our group and which we - with all our openness - can only do without by losing our identity.

Employee

The team consists of two permanent pedagogical staff and one BFD student.

In addition, there are various internships throughout the year that support the team in their daily work. 

Teamwork with parents

The "Bettenhaus" thrives on involving families in many aspects of the children's group. Parents are offered a wide range of opportunities to participate in shaping and co-determination. New families quickly find their way into the group thanks to a series of joint activities (welcome evening, parents' evenings, joint celebrations and much more) and the family atmosphere of a small group.

We use modern communication channels, organise parents' evenings and development discussions on a regular basis and as required.

Projects

We have various projects throughout the year:

Forest project: The forest project is one of the big highlights in our annual programme. For everyone it is a
a much-loved change of pace. We spend six weeks there in spring. 

Raft project: The association bsj Marburg e.V. offers this project for the pre-school children. Due to the great demand, we are able to participate in this project every two years. It is a wonderful addition to our
forest project, as it deals with Marburg's second formative cultural and natural space. To perceive the river from a different perspective with the children and to explore and sensually experience the element of water seemed extremely appealing to us.

Riding project: Since 2004, the project "Children get to know horses" has been an integral part of our annual programme. It takes place once a year for the current preschool children and those who will become preschoolers next year at a riding stable in Schweinsberg.

In addition, we make spontaneous small excursions or planned large excursions (e.g. Mathematikum, Chemikum) as well as visits to the theatre and swimming pool. 
 

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