kindergarten
in vienna's 6th district, near the kettenbrückengasse underground station, 200 sq. metres of a turn of the century building has been adapted for a montessori kindergarten. there are four main classrooms as well as cloakrooms and bathrooms. there is also a kitchen that is able to provide nutritional meals according to the latest dietary knowledge, and a garden that offers all the movement possibilities that children need for their development.
the pedagogical curriculum is founded on the basic montessori principles, the goal of which is to accompany children on their way to becoming independent, confident human beings, by supporting individual development processes and social experiences.
both the classic montessori materials and the more recently developed materials are used in the montessori kindergarten, classified under the following headings: practices in daily life, exploring the senses, mathematics, language, nature and science, art and music. the choice from this selection of materials depends on the level of the group and the individuals within it.
a daily visit to our garden, free play, movement and creativity are also of essential value in our montessori kindergarten. therefore a major emphasis is placed upon natural and environmental materials that have a multitude of uses - cloths, blankets, boxes, ladders, wood, stones and clay.
regular trips into the woods or fields offer the chance to experience the changing of the seasons. the children's lively participation in real working and around the kindergarten gives them the stimulus to play and awakens their curiosity about the world around them.
the children will become familiar with all the possibilities of the montessori materials in groups activities and in individual activities as well as games, songs, stories and handicrafts. each child may freely choose an activity according to his needs, and may decide for himself what to begin and what to continue with. common experiences such as trips, the morning circle, and the celebrating of special days are also a valuable part of our child community.
the pedagogues in the kindergarten are diploma-certified montessori teachers. the pupil-teacher ratio is dependent upon the age and composition of the group and the presence of the children. at least one of the teachers is a native english speaker and speaks english on a daily basis as well as in small targeted groups, using the montessori materials, songs and games.
our kindergarten offers places for children of age three up to school age. acceptance is dependent upon the emotional and social maturity of the child as well as the order of registration.
cooperation from/with parents
close cooperation with the parents is imperative for the best possible development of the child. the parent evenings that take place inform you about the work of the kindergarten and give you the possibility, for example, to try out the montessori materials, with assistance, for yourself. a yearly scheduled parent meeting will inform you about your child in the kinderhaus and gives the possibility to exchange information about your child at home. over and above this, it is possible to arrange an individual interview with a pedagogue.
throughout the year celebrating in the kindergarten for children with or without parents develop common experience in the kinderhaus.
we expect parents to become familiar with the basic premises of the montessori pedagogy and are very willing to help with explanatory literature and training possibilities.
snack/lunch (vegetarian)
we endeavour to provide balance and freshness in our meals. we offer your child homemade bread, fruit, muesli, vegetables (carrots, paprika) etc. as a snack. tea and water are available from the kindergarten.
lunches are prepared in our own kitchen according to the latest nutritional and dietary standards. fresh fruit and vegetables are priorities, as is the reduction of fat to an acceptable minimum. our goal, with your support, is to encourage a balanced nutritional attitude in the children.
settling in
the settling in phase is individual and lasts as long as your child needs it. it follows particular rules, however. the role of the parent in this settling in phase is reduced to being present. the child decides if and when he/she wants to go on a "discovery tour" with one of the pedagogues, or whether he/she just wants to watch. if, after a few, or maybe several days, you and your child are happy with the new situation, and after consultation with the teacher, you can leave the building for ever-increasing lengths of time.
clothing
because of the vital need of children to move freely, we request that you don't dress your child in tight fitting clothing (trousers with waistbands, tight shirts etc.). loose trousers with elastic waists, dungarees and short dresses enable your child to retain and develop his sense of his own body. please consider that your child plays with water and sand and creativity can leave its mark sometimes too. suitable clothing to go out into the garden, even in rain and snow, is essential for your child.
illness/injury
if your child is ill, we request for the sake of your child and the other children in the groups, that you give us as much information as possible. please bring your child back to the group only after he/she has completely recovered and is no longer infectious. we cannot and may not give any medications in the montessori kinderhaus.
in the case of injury, which can sometimes occur during the supervised time, we will first contact the parents or the contact person noted on the child's information form. only if these contacts are unavailable, we will visit a doctor or a hospital if it is necessary. for small injuries, such as scratches and grazes, we will clean these with water and, if necessary, cover them with a porous bandage or plaster.
