Starting nursery is an important milestone—not only for your child, but for your entire family. We understand that this is the beginning of a new chapter, and we believe it deserves time, patience, and care. Our goal is for both you and your child to feel welcomed, supported, and at home from the very beginning.

At Kindervilla, we follow the well-established Berlin Model of settling in. Before your child’s first day, we invite you to a personal meeting where you can get to know our nursery, meet your child’s educators, learn about our daily routines, and ask any questions you may have. This first conversation lays the foundation for a trusting partnership from the very beginning.

Step One – Arriving Together

During the first few days, a parent or another trusted caregiver stays with your child as they begin exploring their new environment. Your child is free to discover the nursery at their own pace while knowing that a familiar face is always close by. This creates the security and confidence needed for trust to begin to grow.

Step Two – First Goodbyes

Once your child begins to feel comfortable, we gently introduce the first short separation. You say goodbye to your child while remaining close by, and our educators respond carefully to your child’s individual needs. If your child needs you, you are always nearby.

Step Three – Growing in Confidence

As trust continues to grow, your child gradually becomes more comfortable with their new surroundings and builds strong relationships with their educators. Separation times are slowly extended, always following your child’s individual pace. A favorite cuddly toy or comfort item is, of course, always welcome and often provides an extra sense of security during this transition.

Every child settles in differently. Some feel at home after just a few days, while others need a little more time—and both are perfectly okay. Rather than following a fixed timetable, we follow your child’s individual needs and emotional readiness.

To ensure that every family receives the attention and support they deserve, we carefully plan each settling-in period so our educators have the time to build a genuine relationship with every child.

For us, settling in is much more than the beginning of nursery. It is the beginning of a trusting relationship between your child, your family, and Kindervilla—a relationship we hope will create wonderful memories for years to come.

Children are naturally curious. From their very first roll over to crawling, standing, and taking those exciting first steps, every new achievement is an important milestone on their journey toward independence.

At Kindervilla, we give every child the time they need to grow at their own pace. We believe that meaningful learning doesn’t come from pressure or expectations—it grows through curiosity, exploration, and hands-on experiences.

Our learning environments are thoughtfully designed to encourage movement, discovery, and exploration. Different levels, platforms, and carefully selected materials inspire children to investigate their surroundings, follow their interests, and confidently explore something new every day.

Each new experience a child masters through their own efforts strengthens their confidence and sense of independence. Step by step, they develop the security, resilience, and curiosity to discover a little more of the world each day.

From the very beginning, children discover the world through their senses. They reach, touch, listen, watch, splash, stack, clap, and delight in every new experience. It is through these simple everyday moments that the foundations for lifelong learning are built.

At Kindervilla, we create a warm and nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore at their own pace. Colors, sounds, textures, shapes, and carefully selected materials awaken their natural curiosity and invite them to discover the world around them through play.

Singing together, finger plays, music, movement, sensory play, and age-appropriate creative activities are all part of everyday life in our nursery. Rather than focusing on the final result, we celebrate each child’s curiosity, participation, and joy in discovering something new.

With every new experience, children grow in confidence, develop trust in their own abilities, and explore the world one discovery at a time—all through the wonder of their senses.

Young children need both: the security of knowing they are safe and the freedom to explore the world around them.

A predictable daily routine, familiar rituals, trusted caregivers, and gentle, consistent boundaries help children feel secure and confident. Knowing what to expect allows them to relax, build trusting relationships, and focus on what they do best—discovering the world through play.

Between shared mealtimes, rest periods, and other familiar routines, children have plenty of opportunities for uninterrupted free play. They are encouraged to follow their curiosity, explore different materials, make their own discoveries, and learn through everyday experiences.

Our educators accompany children with warmth, patience, and genuine care—sometimes encouraging from a distance, sometimes offering a helping hand when it is needed. In this way, children gradually develop confidence, independence, and the courage to explore the world at their own pace.

Many first friendships begin with a smile, a shared toy, or a curious glance at what another child is discovering. Little by little, children learn what it means to be part of a caring community.

At Kindervilla, our youngest children experience kindness, trust, and a sense of belonging every day. They learn to share, take turns, help one another, and become aware of the feelings and needs of others—all with the gentle guidance of caring educators who provide security, encouragement, and reassurance.

Feelings such as joy, frustration, sadness, pride, and excitement are a natural part of growing up. We acknowledge every emotion with warmth and respect, helping children gradually understand their feelings, express their needs, and begin resolving their first conflicts in a peaceful and age-appropriate way.

Through these everyday experiences, children naturally develop empathy, confidence, and strong social skills—not because they are taught in lessons, but because they are lived every day.

Shared meals are some of the most meaningful moments of the day. They give children time to slow down, connect with one another, enjoy conversations, and experience the joy of eating together. Around the table, children develop not only healthy eating habits but also a sense of community and belonging.

The early years are an important time for developing a lifelong relationship with food. At Kindervilla, we introduce children to a varied, balanced, and wholesome diet in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. We encourage children to discover new flavors and enjoy mealtimes without pressure—giving them the time and confidence to develop healthy eating habits naturally.

All meals are freshly prepared each day in Kindervilla’s own kitchen. Our dedicated culinary team cooks from scratch using high-quality, seasonal ingredients, with a strong focus on freshness, variety, and child-friendly recipes. Whenever possible, we source organic and locally grown ingredients, and we naturally accommodate food allergies, intolerances, and individual dietary requirements.

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon snack, every meal is an important part of our daily routine and another opportunity to care for our children with warmth and attention. Fresh drinking water is always available throughout the day.

To learn more about our in-house kitchen, our nutrition philosophy, and how we prepare fresh meals every day, we invite you to visit “Our Kindervilla Kitchen”.

Family is the most important part of a child’s life. Parents know their child better than anyone else and play the most important role in their journey of growth and development. Nothing can replace the trust, love, and security that children experience within their family.

At Kindervilla, we see ourselves as partners to families. We believe that open communication, mutual trust, and honest collaboration create the strongest foundation for a child’s well-being. Together, we provide children with the security they need to feel at home, build confidence, and explore the world with curiosity.

We warmly welcome your ideas, questions, and suggestions. Your feedback is equally valuable to us, because we believe that the best outcomes for children are achieved when families and educators work together with openness, respect, and a shared commitment to every child’s happiness and development.

Moments of care are much more than part of a daily routine. They are quiet moments of connection, trust, and individual attention between each child and their educator.

In a calm, loving, and private environment, we take the time each child needs. We always respect their privacy, honor their individuality, and respond with warmth and sensitivity to their unique needs.

As children grow, we gently encourage them to become more independent—from washing their hands and brushing their teeth to toilet learning. Every child develops at their own pace, and we support each step with patience, encouragement, and never with pressure.

These everyday moments help children build trust, confidence, and independence. They remind us that even the smallest routines can become meaningful experiences when children feel safe, respected, and truly cared for.

After a morning filled with play, discovery, and new experiences, many young children need time to slow down, rest, and recharge. That’s why our rest and sleep routines are always guided by the individual needs of each child.

Familiar routines, a peaceful atmosphere, and the gentle presence of trusted educators help children feel safe, secure, and ready to relax. Quiet stories, soothing music, or a familiar lullaby create a calm transition from active play to restful moments.

Every child has their own unique sleep needs. While some children enjoy a nap, others simply benefit from a quiet moment to unwind. We thoughtfully provide space for both—whether that means sleeping peacefully, listening to a story, or simply enjoying a moment of calm.

When children are well rested, they wake up ready to continue exploring the world with renewed energy, curiosity, and joy.

Children experience the world best when they are outdoors. They observe, collect, climb, dig, balance, wonder, and discover nature with all their senses. That’s why spending time outside is a natural part of everyday life at Kindervilla—in almost every kind of weather and throughout every season.

Together, we experience the changing rhythm of the year. We watch the first buds appear in spring, play beneath the shade of trees in summer, collect colorful leaves in autumn, and discover the special beauty of winter. Along the way, children naturally develop a sense of the seasons and a lasting connection with the world around them.

Our herb garden offers another wonderful opportunity for discovery. Together, we plant, care for, and harvest a variety of herbs that are later used in meals prepared fresh in our own Kindervilla kitchen. In this way, children experience where food comes from and how something they have helped to grow can become part of their lunch.

Daily outdoor experiences, plenty of movement, and a close connection with nature are an essential part of a happy, healthy childhood.

Young children learn languages most naturally through relationships, everyday experiences, and meaningful interactions. They listen, observe, understand more and more, and gradually begin using words and sentences with confidence—all in the same natural way they learn their first language.

At Kindervilla, our English-speaking educators accompany children throughout the day using English as their native language. They play, sing, read stories, comfort, laugh, and share everyday moments entirely in English. This creates a true language immersion experience, where English becomes a natural part of daily life rather than a subject to be taught.

One of Kindervilla’s distinguishing features is that our English-speaking educators are native speakers. They share not only their language, but also their culture, their personalities, and their unique perspectives on the world. As a result, children experience authentic English in a warm, trusting environment and naturally develop confidence and an intuitive feel for the language.

Our international team brings even more cultural richness to everyday life. Educators from many different countries share their languages, traditions, and experiences through songs, stories, celebrations, and daily interactions. Depending on the team and location, children may naturally encounter additional languages and cultures as part of their everyday experiences.

Our goal is not simply for children to learn a second language. We hope they grow up with an openness to people, cultures, and languages—approaching the world with curiosity, respect, and joy. The world is wonderfully diverse, and we believe that discovering this diversity is one of the greatest gifts we can give a child.

Every child develops at their own pace. Especially during the first years of life, so much happens every single day: first words, new movements, growing independence, relationships with other children, and new ways of discovering the world around them.

Through regular, strengths-based observations, we take the time to notice and understand each child’s individual development. We focus our attention on the child as a whole: What are they interested in right now? What captures their curiosity? What brings them joy? What new skills are emerging—and where might they benefit from a little extra support?

Using our Kindervilla Observation Record, we document our observations in a structured way and reflect on them together as a team. What we learn becomes part of each child’s developmental documentation and our conversations with parents. At the same time, these insights help us continually adapt our daily routines, learning environments, and activities to the children we are currently caring for.

Because to us, meaningful observation is about one thing above all: truly seeing each child and meeting them exactly where they are in their development.

A trusting partnership begins with good communication. That’s why open, personal, and transparent communication with our families is so important to us. Alongside our conversations at drop-off and pick-up, our Kindervilla app, “KiVi,”helps families stay connected throughout their child’s day.

Through KiVi, we share important information about each child’s day—including meals, sleep and rest times, as well as the activities and experiences they have taken part in. Regular photos and videos also offer little glimpses into special moments, discoveries, and everyday experiences at Kindervilla.

At the same time, parents can easily share important information from home with our educational team—whether it’s something we should know from the morning, an absence, or a change in drop-off or pick-up arrangements.

This creates an easy, two-way flow of communication that makes everyday life smoother for both families and our team. And even when parents can’t be there with their child, they can still share in a little piece of their day at Kindervilla.

Development happens every day—sometimes in big leaps and sometimes in countless little moments that only become visible when we look back. To follow each child’s development over time and make their progress visible, we use the “Entwicklungsschnecke” developmental framework at Kindervilla, with observation and documentation tools specifically adapted to the developmental stages of our youngest children.

At the heart of this approach is a strengths-based view of each child. Rather than focusing first on what a child cannot yet do, we look at the skills and abilities they have already developed. Progress across different areas of development is documented in a clear and visual way, allowing us to see how each child grows and develops over time.

This developmental documentation helps our educational team maintain a holistic view of each child, recognize individual developmental steps, and use these insights to create meaningful experiences and opportunities in everyday life.

It also provides a valuable foundation for our regular developmental conversations with parents. Together, we can reflect on what the child has already accomplished, discuss current areas of development, and consider how we can best support their journey forward.

Because to us, development is not about comparing children with one another—it is about recognizing, appreciating, and making visible the individual progress of every child.

The first years of a child’s life are filled with little wonders. A first painting, new friendships, a favorite song, a special outing, or one of the many small developmental milestones—often, it is these seemingly everyday moments that become some of our most treasured memories years later.

That’s why every child has their own personal Memorybook throughout their time at Kindervilla. We fill it with photos, little works of art, favorite songs and rhymes, special experiences, and many other memories that tell the story of everyday life and growing up at Kindervilla.

Families can choose what their child’s Memorybook will look like. If you wish, you can bring in your own individually chosen book with blank pages, at least A4 size, when your child starts at Kindervilla. Alternatively, we provide a beautiful Kindervilla binder that gradually fills with memories, page by page. Together, we turn it into a very personal companion throughout your child’s Nursery years.

Over time, it becomes a unique collection of memories—to look through together, share stories about, marvel at, and rediscover over the years. A book about a time they may not remember every detail of when they are older—but one that will always be part of their story.

From Our Nursery – or Another Nursery – to Kindervilla

Moving from nursery into our Preschool & Kindergarten is an exciting milestone in every child’s journey. While this transition brings many new opportunities, it also builds on the security and confidence children have already developed. Familiar routines, trusted educators, and a predictable daily rhythm continue to provide the sense of belonging that helps children feel safe and ready to grow.

As children grow older, their interests, abilities, and curiosity naturally evolve. Our educational approach grows with them. Projects become more in-depth, excursions more adventurous, and learning experiences more challenging. Children are encouraged to ask questions, share ideas, take on responsibility, and work together to solve problems.

Step by step, they develop greater independence. They learn to make decisions, take responsibility for everyday tasks, stay engaged with projects over longer periods of time, and confidently contribute their thoughts and ideas within the group. These skills develop naturally through play, exploration, collaborative projects, and everyday experiences.

Rather than preparing children for specific school assignments, we prepare them for what truly matters in the years ahead: curiosity, confidence, resilience, strong social skills, and a lifelong love of learning.

From Home to Kindervilla Preschool & Kindergarten

For children joining Kindergarten for the very first time at the age of three, this marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. We understand that this transition brings many emotions, questions, and expectations—not only for children but for their families as well.

That is why we take the time to get to know both your child and your family before the first day. Through personal conversations, we learn about your child’s personality, interests, routines, and the goals you have as a family. Together, we create the foundation for a confident and successful start at Kindervilla.

Every child arrives with their own story, experiences, personality, and pace of development. That is exactly where we begin. With patience, warmth, and close collaboration with your family, we support your child as they settle into their new environment, build meaningful friendships, and discover the joy of learning through everyday experiences.

No matter how a child finds their way to Kindervilla, our goal is always the same: we want every child to feel welcomed, excited to come to school each day, and to return home with new discoveries, growing confidence, and wonderful memories.

Starting Kindergarten is an exciting milestone—not only for your child, but for your whole family. Some children join us after attending nursery, while for others it is their very first experience in an early childhood setting. Although every child’s journey is unique, they all have one thing in common: every child needs time, trust, and the feeling of truly belonging.

That is why we approach the settling-in process individually, always following your child’s own pace. Our goal is for every child to gradually build confidence, develop trusting relationships with their new teachers, and experience Kindervilla as a place where they feel happy, safe, and excited to return each day.

Before your child’s first day, we invite you to visit Kindervilla for a personal meeting. This gives your family the opportunity to get to know our educators, explore our learning environments, and experience our daily rhythm. At the same time, we want to learn about your child—their personality, interests, routines, strengths, and the little things that help them feel secure. Together, we lay the foundation for a successful and joyful beginning.

Our settling-in process is based on the well-established Berlin Transition Model, which we thoughtfully adapt to meet the individual needs of every child.

Phase 1 – Arriving Together

During the first few days, a familiar caregiver stays with your child at Kindervilla. This allows your child to explore the new environment at their own pace while always having the reassurance of a trusted adult nearby. At the same time, they begin building relationships with their teachers and classmates.

Phase 2 – First Goodbyes

Once your child begins to feel comfortable and secure, we introduce short separation periods. You say goodbye with confidence, knowing you remain close by if needed. Our educators carefully observe your child’s signals and provide the reassurance and support they need during this important step.

Phase 3 – Growing Confidence

As each day passes, your child’s confidence grows along with their sense of belonging. Time spent independently at Kindervilla gradually increases, always respecting your child’s individual needs and readiness. A favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or comfort item is always welcome and often provides an extra sense of security during this transition.

Every settling-in journey is different. Some children feel at home within just a few days, while others need a little more time. Both are perfectly normal. Rather than following a fixed schedule, we follow your child’s individual rhythm.

To ensure every child receives the attention and care they deserve during this important transition, we intentionally stagger new enrollments whenever possible. This allows our educators to devote meaningful time to each child and family while building the trusting relationships that are at the heart of everything we do.

For us, a successful settling-in period is far more than the beginning of Kindergarten. It is the beginning of a shared journey—one built on trust, partnership, and the confidence that your child has found a place where they truly belong.

Across our three Kindervilla International Preschool & Kindergarten locations, children from the age of three until they begin elementary school learn and grow in two carefully designed mixed-age groups. Each group is guided by a dedicated team of educators, including at least one English-speaking native speaker educator. This allows children to experience a naturally bilingual environment throughout the day—while playing, exploring, talking, singing, and working together on projects.

Within each location, children participate in either our Preschool or Kindergarten program. Placement is based not only on age but also on each child’s individual stage of development. This enables us to create learning experiences, projects, and activities that match the interests, abilities, and natural curiosity of every age group.

Our educational approach is inspired by the American school system, where Preschool refers to the early childhood years before Kindergarten, and Kindergarten is the final year before elementary school. This structure allows us to meet every child exactly where they are in their developmental journey.

While younger children are still discovering the world primarily through play and their first experiences within a larger community, older children naturally begin seeking new challenges. They become eager to understand how things work, take on responsibility, develop their own ideas, and collaborate with others to solve problems.

Our group structure creates the ideal environment for every child to grow at their own pace. It provides the time, space, and encouragement children need to stay curious, build confidence, and experience the joy of learning and discovering something new every single day.

Children need both: the freedom to explore their world with curiosity and the security of clear, consistent guidance.

At Kindervilla, we create an environment built on familiar routines, caring relationships, and age-appropriate expectations. These provide children with a strong sense of security and belonging while helping them develop confidence, independence, and respect for others.

Within this supportive framework, children enjoy countless opportunities to make choices, follow their interests, contribute ideas, and actively shape projects and daily experiences. They learn that independence also comes with responsibility—for themselves, for their friends, and for the community they are part of.

As children grow, so do the challenges they are ready to embrace. Especially during their Kindergarten year, they gradually develop the ability to stay engaged with projects for longer periods, listen attentively, express their ideas confidently, and work collaboratively with others to achieve shared goals.

Our goal is never for children to simply follow rules because they are told to. We want them to understand whyexpectations matter—because kindness, fairness, respect, and responsibility create a community where everyone feels safe, valued, and heard.

Family will always be the most important influence in a child’s life. That is why we never see ourselves as a replacement for parents, but as trusted partners. Together, we support children as they explore, learn, grow, and discover who they are.

Strong partnerships begin with open, honest, and respectful communication. We want to listen, understand your family’s perspective, and share our own observations along the way. The better we understand a child together, the better we can support their individual journey.

That’s why we intentionally create many opportunities to connect. Parent conferences, Coffee Mornings, family celebrations, workshops, and community events all provide meaningful opportunities to exchange ideas, build relationships, and strengthen the Kindervilla community.

Our partnership continues throughout the everyday life of Kindergarten. Through our KiVi App, regular newsletters, and personal conversations at drop-off and pick-up, we keep you connected to your child’s daily experiences, milestones, and special moments.

Many of our families also choose to become actively involved in Kindervilla life, and we truly value their contribution. Whether helping during celebrations, supporting special projects, sharing their professional expertise, or simply bringing new ideas to our community, parents play an important role in enriching the experiences of our children.

Our hope is that families experience Kindervilla as much more than a preschool. We want it to be a place where lasting relationships are built, friendships grow, and a strong sense of community makes childhood even more meaningful.

Every day at Kindervilla follows a thoughtful rhythm while leaving plenty of room for curiosity, creativity, and the children’s own ideas. Familiar routines provide security and a sense of belonging, while inspiring learning experiences, movement, creative expression, and meaningful relationships ensure that no two days are ever the same.

Many of our projects are inspired by monthly themes that guide children through the school year and encourage them to explore the world from new perspectives. To learn more about our special projects, excursions, celebrations, and seasonal experiences, we invite you to visit our “A Year at Kindervilla” section. You can also discover how we prepare fresh, healthy meals every day on our “Our Kitchen” page.

7:30 – 8:30 AM | Arrival & Warm-Up

The day begins in a calm and welcoming atmosphere. Each child is greeted personally and has time to settle in at their own pace. Whether reading, building, drawing, or playing with friends indoors or outdoors, children ease naturally into the day while families have the opportunity to connect with our educators.

8:30 – 9:30 AM | Breakfast Buffet & Learning Centers

Every morning, our freshly prepared breakfast is lovingly served by our in-house kitchen assistant. Together, the children enjoy a healthy breakfast before exploring our learning centers, where they can build, create, read, experiment, and begin their own discoveries.

9:30 – 10:00 AM | Morning Circle

Morning Circle is where our day begins together. We greet one another, share experiences, talk about the day’s plans, and explore the calendar, weather, numbers, letters, and much more. Songs, stories, Show & Tell, our Morning Board, and meaningful conversations encourage language development, confidence, and a genuine sense of community.

From 10:00 AM | Projects, Workshops & Discovery Time

This is where curiosity truly comes alive.

Our educational experiences are inspired by the children’s interests as well as our monthly themes. Whether exploring literacy, mathematics, science, art, music, yoga, movement, Thinking Lab, Kids Black Belt, Kid’s Dance, We Care, or exciting field trips, every activity encourages children to ask questions, experiment, solve problems, and discover something new together.

Learning regularly extends beyond the classroom as we explore Stuttgart’s parks, museums, nature, and many other exciting places.

Outdoor Play & Free Choice Learning

Free play is one of the most valuable parts of the day. Whether in our gardens or throughout our learning environments, children choose how they would like to spend their time, who they would like to play with, and which ideas they would like to explore.

This is where friendships grow, imaginations flourish, and some of childhood’s most memorable moments are created.

Lunch Together

Lunch is freshly prepared each day in our own Kindervilla Kitchen. Sharing a meal together is an important part of our community, giving children time to connect, enjoy conversations, and recharge before the afternoon begins.

To learn more about our nutrition philosophy and our in-house kitchen, please visit “Our Kitchen.”

Rest Time & Storytime

After a busy morning, children benefit from time to slow down and recharge. Some choose to sleep, while others enjoy stories, books, or other quiet activities in a peaceful environment before beginning the afternoon with renewed energy.

The Afternoon

The afternoon offers new opportunities for creativity and discovery. Projects continue to evolve, new ideas emerge, and children often decide where their own learning journey will lead next. Creative experiences, experiments, movement, outdoor play, and spontaneous moments of exploration make every afternoon unique.

Afternoon Snack

A healthy afternoon snack provides fresh energy before children continue their projects, spend time outdoors, or enjoy free play with friends.

Coming Together Again

Later in the day, groups often come together once more. New friendships develop, children share their experiences, and our educators document meaningful moments while preparing future projects and learning experiences.

Pick-Up Time

Pick-up is an important part of our day. We take time to connect personally with families, share highlights, celebrate achievements, and reflect on the many little moments that made the day special.

6:00 PM

Kindervilla closes its doors for the day—but another day filled with curiosity, friendship, discovery, and joyful memories becomes part of a childhood that will be remembered for years to come.

Shared meals are about so much more than enjoying healthy food. They are moments to slow down, connect, laugh, listen, and enjoy each other’s company. Around the table, conversations begin, friendships grow, and children experience what it means to be part of a caring community.

As children grow, they naturally take on more responsibility. They help set the table, prepare snacks alongside their teachers, spread sandwiches, cut fruit and vegetables, and take on small tasks before and after meals. Through these everyday experiences, they discover that a strong community is built when everyone contributes.

Table manners and social etiquette are also part of everyday life at Kindervilla. We want children to discover that sharing a meal is something special. That’s why we create a warm and welcoming atmosphere where everyone feels included. Children learn to wait for one another, listen respectfully, enjoy conversations, and appreciate the value of sharing a meal together.

One of our favorite traditions is our Kindervilla Restaurant. With beautifully decorated tables, candlelight, and playful role-playing activities, children experience how enjoyable dining together can be. They naturally learn confidence in different social situations, practice courtesy and good manners, and discover that kindness and respect make every shared meal even more meaningful.

Every morning, breakfast is freshly prepared and lovingly served by our in-house kitchen assistants at each Kindervilla location. Lunch is prepared daily in our own Kindervilla Kitchen using fresh, seasonal ingredients. We are committed to providing healthy, balanced, and child-friendly meals while carefully accommodating allergies, food intolerances, and individual dietary needs.

If you would like to learn more about our in-house kitchen, our nutrition philosophy, and how we prepare fresh meals every day, we invite you to visit our “Our Kindervilla Kitchen” page.

After a morning filled with discovery, learning, play, and friendship, many children need time to slow down, relax, and recharge. While every day at Kindervilla is full of exciting experiences, children also benefit from moments of peace and quiet to process everything they have explored.

Our thoughtfully designed rest and sleep rooms provide a calm, comforting environment where children can unwind at their own pace. Some children enjoy a restful nap, while others simply need a quiet moment to relax before continuing their day.

As children grow older, their need for sleep naturally changes. While some children still enjoy napping during their final Kindergarten year, others prefer to stay awake. We respect each child’s individual needs while encouraging everyone to take a break and enjoy a peaceful moment. Even quiet time without sleeping gives children the opportunity to recharge, reflect, and regain their energy.

For children who choose not to sleep, we offer our Storytime. Together, we read books, tell stories, and enjoy other quiet activities in a peaceful atmosphere. This allows every child to experience a meaningful moment of rest while ensuring a calm environment for those who are sleeping.

Research continues to show that rest and sleep play an important role in children’s healthy development. During periods of rest, children process new experiences, strengthen memories, and prepare themselves for new learning. More importantly, these quiet moments help children return to the afternoon feeling calm, focused, and ready for new adventures.

We never force a child to sleep. What matters most to us is that every child receives the kind of rest they need on that particular day. Every child is unique, and we believe their individual needs deserve the same thoughtful care and respect.

Children move because they are naturally curious about the world around them. They run, climb, balance, jump, dance, throw, build, and explore. Movement is far more than exercise—it is one of the most important ways young children learn, grow, and discover their world.

At Kindervilla, movement is woven naturally into every day. Whether children are enjoying free play in our gardens, exploring nature on excursions, building obstacle courses, participating in sports activities, dancing, or simply playing with friends, they are constantly developing strength, coordination, balance, confidence, and body awareness.

Movement also supports so much more than physical development. Children learn to take on challenges, persevere when something feels difficult, work as a team, show consideration for others, and celebrate their own achievements. Every new experience helps build resilience, confidence, and a positive attitude toward trying something new.

Our movement program is varied, engaging, and designed to reflect the children’s ages, interests, and developmental stages. Throughout the year, children enjoy opportunities such as:

• Regular excursions to playgrounds, parks, and nature reserves
• Indoor and outdoor movement and sports activities
• Yoga, dance, and creative movement experiences
• Forest adventures and outdoor exploration
• Swimming excursions and seasonal outdoor activities
• Regular Tennis Training, where children develop coordination, focus, ball skills, and a love of the game through play (optional program)
• Weekly Kids Functional Training (optional program)
• Weekly Ballet or Modern Dance classes (optional program)

Our goal is not to raise great athletes. Our goal is to inspire children to enjoy moving, exploring, and challenging themselves. Children who discover the joy of movement develop confidence in their bodies, approach new experiences with curiosity, and build healthy habits that will stay with them for life.

The world is changing faster than ever before. New technologies, scientific discoveries, and global perspectives are constantly shaping the way we live, work, and learn. We believe that we cannot prepare children for one specific future—but we can prepare them to approach change with curiosity, confidence, creativity, and resilience.

That is why we see learning as a lifelong journey rather than a destination. Children ask questions, develop their own ideas, experiment, explore, make connections, and solve problems together. Our role is to nurture their natural curiosity and inspire them to become confident, independent learners who never stop asking “why?”

Technology also has an important place in our classrooms when it genuinely enhances children’s learning. Our interactive Smart Boards help bring stories to life, make scientific concepts visible, and encourage children to explore numbers, letters, shapes, maps, nature, and many other topics in engaging and meaningful ways. They enrich our educational experiences—but they never replace hands-on discovery, creative expression, meaningful relationships, or learning through real-life experiences.

Our goal is not simply to teach children what to think. We want them to discover how to think: to ask questions, think creatively, embrace new ideas, and develop a lifelong love of learning. These are the qualities that will help them thrive in a world that is constantly changing.

Every child has something worth sharing. Some children naturally enjoy speaking in front of others, while some need a little more time to discover the confidence to express themselves. At Kindervilla, we want every child to find their own voice—in a supportive environment where confidence grows naturally and every child feels encouraged to participate.

One of the highlights of our Morning Circle is Show & Tell. Children bring a special item from home, carefully wrapped so that no one can see what it is. Using only words, they describe their mystery object while their classmates listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, and work together to guess what is hidden inside.

Through this playful experience, children naturally expand their vocabulary, learn to describe ideas clearly, and become increasingly confident speaking in front of a group. At the same time, they develop equally important skills by listening attentively, asking meaningful questions, respecting different perspectives, and celebrating one another’s ideas.

Show & Tell is about far more than giving a presentation. It is an opportunity for children to tell stories, share personal experiences, spark curiosity, and discover that their thoughts and ideas truly matter. These conversations often become some of the most memorable moments of the day, inspiring children to learn from one another while building meaningful connections.

Our goal is not simply to help children develop language skills. We want them to discover the confidence to express their ideas, share their stories, and find their own voice—because every child deserves to be heard.

Music is part of childhood from the very beginning. Children naturally sing, clap, dance, hum, and move to rhythm long before they can read or write. Music brings people together, awakens emotions, and gives children another beautiful way to express themselves—often without saying a single word.

That is why music is woven into everyday life at Kindervilla. During our regular music experiences, children sing together, discover rhythms, explore a variety of instruments, and experiment with sounds. They learn that music can tell stories, express feelings, inspire imagination, and create meaningful connections with others.

For us, the joy of making music is always more important than achieving a perfect performance. Children are encouraged to explore, improvise, listen carefully, and express themselves creatively. Along the way, they naturally develop rhythm, concentration, coordination, language awareness, creativity, and the ability to listen and collaborate with others.

Music doesn’t begin and end with a scheduled music session. It is part of our Morning Circle, celebrations, performances, movement activities, and many everyday moments throughout Kindervilla. Whenever possible, we also visit concerts, cultural events, and child-friendly musical performances, giving children opportunities to experience music in inspiring new ways.

Perhaps one child will discover a lifelong passion for playing an instrument. Another may simply take home the joy of singing with friends. Both are equally meaningful to us.

Our goal is not simply to introduce children to music. We want them to discover the joy of expressing themselves through music, creating lasting memories, and experiencing the special moments that can only be shared through singing, rhythm, and making music together.

Language connects people. It opens the door to new friendships, different cultures, fresh perspectives, and a world full of possibilities. Children learn languages in the most natural way imaginable—not through memorization or formal lessons, but through meaningful relationships, shared experiences, and everyday life.

That is why bilingualism is woven into every aspect of life at Kindervilla. Our English-speaking educators accompany the children throughout the day exclusively in their native language. They play, sing, tell stories, comfort, laugh, explore, and learn alongside the children in English. Language becomes a natural part of everyday life—not a subject to be studied, but an experience to be lived.

Our approach is based on language immersion, one of the most effective and natural ways for young children to acquire a second language. Children gradually understand words and sentences through context, facial expressions, gestures, visual cues, and shared experiences—just as they learned their first language. There are no translations, no pressure, and no expectation to perform. Instead, confidence grows naturally through meaningful communication.

One of Kindervilla’s defining qualities is that our English-speaking educators are native speakers. They bring far more than authentic language into the classroom. They share their culture, traditions, personality, humor, and unique perspectives, allowing children to experience English as a living language spoken by real people they know and trust.

Our international team also enriches everyday life with many different languages and cultures. Depending on the location and the people who make up each Kindervilla community, children naturally encounter additional languages through songs, stories, celebrations, projects, and everyday conversations. Today, this includes English and Spanish—but tomorrow, it may be many more.

Our goal is not for children to memorize as many vocabulary words as possible. We want them to develop a genuine love of languages and the confidence to communicate with curiosity, openness, and respect wherever life may take them.

Perhaps one day they will confidently order an ice cream or lunch in English while traveling abroad. More importantly, we hope they will grow into young people who are curious about the world, appreciate different cultures, and feel at home wherever meaningful connections can be made.

Every day, children show us what interests them, what they can already do, and what they are ready to explore next. They ask questions, develop their own ideas, seek out challenges, build friendships, and increasingly discover their own unique strengths and talents.

Through regular, strengths-based observations, we intentionally follow these individual learning and developmental processes. We observe each child in different situations throughout the kindergarten day, paying particular attention to their interests, abilities, social relationships, and current areas of development.

Using our Kindervilla Observation Record, we document our observations in a structured way and reflect on them together as a team. This helps us understand the skills each child has already developed, what sparks their enthusiasm, and which experiences and learning opportunities can encourage them to take their next developmental steps with confidence.

Our observations form the foundation for each child’s developmental documentation and our conversations with parents. At the same time, they inspire new projects, learning opportunities, and educational activities—both for the individual child and for the group as a whole.

Because to us, observation is not about evaluating children. It is about understanding them, recognizing their strengths, and creating the right opportunities for them to continue learning, growing, and thriving.

A trusting partnership begins with good communication. That’s why open, personal, and transparent communication with our families is so important to us. Alongside our conversations at drop-off and pick-up, our Kindervilla app, “KiVi,”helps families stay connected throughout their child’s day.

Through KiVi, we share important information about each child’s day—including meals, sleep and rest times, as well as the activities and experiences they have taken part in. Regular photos and videos also offer little glimpses into special moments, discoveries, and everyday experiences at Kindervilla.

At the same time, parents can easily share important information from home with our educational team—whether it’s something we should know from the morning, an absence, or a change in drop-off or pick-up arrangements.

This creates an easy, two-way flow of communication that makes everyday life smoother for both families and our team. And even when parents can’t be there with their child, they can still share in a little piece of their day at Kindervilla.

Between the age of three and the start of elementary school, children make remarkable developmental strides. They become increasingly independent, develop new skills, discover their own interests and strengths, and find more and more ways to acquire knowledge and make sense of the world around them. To follow this development over time and make each child’s progress visible, we also use the “Entwicklungsschnecke” developmental framework in our Preschool and Kindergarten programs, with observation and documentation tools specifically adapted to this age and stage of development.

At the heart of this approach is a strengths-based view of each child. Rather than focusing first on what a child cannot yet do, we look at the skills and abilities they have already developed. Progress across different areas of development is documented in a clear and visual way, allowing us to see how each child grows and develops over time.

This developmental documentation helps our educational team recognize each child’s individual strengths and interests, understand their current areas of development, and use these insights to create meaningful learning opportunities, projects, and experiences throughout the Kindergarten day.

The “Entwicklungsschnecke” also provides a valuable foundation for our regular developmental conversations with parents. Together, we reflect on the child’s progress, talk about their interests and current developmental milestones, and consider how we can best support them as they continue to grow.

Because to us, development is not about comparing children with one another—it is about seeing each child for who they are, celebrating their individual progress, and giving them the space and support to follow their own path.

Every day in Kindergarten brings new stories that children will remember for years to come: special friendships, shared adventures, creative projects, outings, celebrations, and all the little moments in between that make their Kindergarten years so unique.

That’s why every child has their own personal Memorybook throughout their time at Kindervilla. We fill it with photos, drawings and artwork, favorite songs and rhymes, memories of special projects and events, and many personal moments from everyday life at Kindergarten.

Families can choose what their child’s Memorybook will look like. If you wish, you can bring in your own individually chosen book with blank pages, at least A4 size. Alternatively, we provide a beautiful Kindervilla binder that grows along with the child, gradually filling with memories throughout their Kindergarten years.

As the children grow older, they become increasingly involved in creating their own Memorybooks. They help decide what is important to them, contribute their own ideas, and watch as their book or binder fills page by page with their experiences, interests, and memories.

In the end, every Memorybook tells its own unique story—a story of friendships and discoveries, of learning and growing, and of the years spent together at Kindervilla.

And when their Kindergarten years eventually come to an end, what remains is a book filled with memories of a childhood that is only just beginning to write its own stories.