A concept that builds strength for life.

Every child experiences a daily routine with us that provides security and orientation, while still leaving enough room for their own choices. Fixed elements such as arrival time, meals, play and learning phases, and rest times structure the day so children can find their way easily. At the same time, there is room for flexibility: we respond to children’s needs, such as nappy changes, both at set times and individually as needed. This way, we ensure all children feel comfortable and well cared for at all times.

A special part of everyday life is time outdoors. On our spacious, green outdoor areas, children can experience nature up close every day, discovering and exploring, whether climbing, running, playing in the mud or observing little wonders of nature. Movement and adventure are just as central as quiet moments when children can rest, observe or simply pause for a while.

It’s important to us that children can actively participate: in everyday life, they repeatedly decide for themselves whether they’d rather let off steam or retreat, join an activity or develop their own play. This freedom strengthens their self-confidence and brings the day to life.

This creates a reliable rhythm that provides stability, alongside a varied space in which all children can experience something new every day, try things out and find calm.

Healthy nutrition is very important to us and a fixed part of our educational everyday life. At breakfast, children already enjoy a balanced selection: wholegrain breads, spreads, fresh fruit and vegetables, muesli and milk provide a nutrient-rich, energising start to the day.

For lunch, we receive a freshly cooked menu every day from a regional partner. The meals are varied, child-friendly and prepared mostly with seasonal organic ingredients from the region. Meat and fish are deliberately on the menu only once a week, on the other days we offer vegetarian meals. We consistently avoid pork and artificial additives.

In the afternoon, there is a light snack such as fresh fruit and raw vegetables with crackers. Water and unsweetened tea are freely available to children throughout the day, so they can quench their thirst at any time.

Of course, we reliably accommodate special dietary needs, for example allergies or vegetarian or vegan diets. It’s important to us that every child can eat healthily and with enjoyment and develop a love of mindful nutrition.

Beyond that, we also see shared meals as valuable moments of community. Children sit together at the table, learn consideration, share, and experience eating as a connecting ritual. They are actively involved whether setting the table, pouring drinks or clearing away together. In this way, they experience self-efficacy, take responsibility and develop an awareness that nutrition not only strengthens the body, but also how we are together.

Our educators see themselves as loving companions and role models for the children. The experienced educational team supports each child individually and mindfully and accompanies them on their developmental journey. Rather than simply instructing, our practitioners give each child the freedom they need to gain their own experiences while providing security and a sense of safety. Every child should feel seen and understood—the attitude “everyone is seen, accepted and valued” shapes our daily life together.

A good start to daycare begins with trust and we take the time for that. Our settling-in is divided into three gentle phases: Arriving, Being there and Taking part. Every child is welcome to arrive at their own pace, accompanied by a trusted adult and a sensitive team.

Before we begin: Before settling-in starts, we hold a personal intake meeting. We want to get to know your child and you as a family better: What does your child need, what is good for them, what matters to you? You will also receive an information pack with all key details about the daily routine, equipment and educational everyday life—so the start is well prepared.

Arriving: In the first phase, a trusted adult stays in the group together with the child. The child can observe calmly, gather first impressions and build trust step by step—in the environment, in the educator and in the other children.

Being there: When the child feels more secure, the “being there” phase begins. They move around the room more independently and start to take part in activities, while the trusted adult remains present. During this time, we also begin with short separations, which we organise very gently.

A special companion in this phase is our Care App, an app for parent communication through which we send you photos or short messages from daycare life. This helps you approach the first steps of separation with a good feeling and see how your child is gaining their first experiences without you.

Taking part: In the final phase, your child becomes more and more part of the group. They take an active part in everyday life, find orientation in recurring rituals and build strong relationships. Separation times are gradually extended until the child feels safe and settled.
We shape settling-in individually, mindfully and in close dialogue with you. No child is pushed, and no goodbye is left unsupported. Because a secure beginning is the foundation for a trusting daycare experience—and that’s exactly what we’re here for.

Close, partnership-based cooperation with parents is a core part of our concept. We maintain open, regular communication at drop-off and pick-up, in scheduled parent meetings and via digital channels. For day-to-day communication and organisation, we use our parent app (CARE app), for example, so information can be shared quickly and paper-free. This keeps parents involved and up to date. Alongside this ongoing exchange, we also create joint projects where children, parents and educational professionals connect, learn from one another and actively help shape daycare life. We see each other as partners in raising and supporting the child, for the child’s wellbeing.

Our rooms are designed to be bright, friendly and child-friendly. We also deliberately ensure a low-stimulus environment: the rooms are furnished with natural, sustainable materials and offer children a cosy place to feel at home. There are lovingly designed play areas as well as small retreats for resting, reading or dreaming. When it comes to furnishings, we place great value on quality and health, many pieces of furniture and play materials are made from safe, durable natural materials.

At Stadtküken daycares, we care for children aged around 10 months to 6 years, from nursery to preschool. The youngest (under 3) are in small nursery groups (approx. 15 children per group) in a safe, family-like environment, while 3- to 6-year-olds play and learn together in preschool groups (approx. 20-25 children per group, depending on the space). In the final daycare year, we gently prepare our older “chicks” for school in a preschool group with playful activities. Depending on the group’s individual care needs, the educational team is also put together accordingly. As a guideline: in a nursery group, three qualified practitioners usually support the children’s day-to-day life, typically two full-time and one part-time. A preschool group is usually lovingly cared for by two qualified practitioners.

A particular strength of Stadtküken daycares is our concept of a “nature daycare in the city”. We build a bridge between urban life and regular time out in nature. Our centres have spacious, green outdoor areas and their own small gardens: children tend raised beds, observe plants growing and, in summer, snack on berries straight from the bush. This is complemented by regular outings, for example to nearby parks or woods, or to regional organic farms giving children authentic experiences in nature.

In this way, children develop a deep appreciation for the environment in a playful, direct way. At the same time, mindfulness and sustainability shape our entire everyday life: children learn to treat themselves, others and nature with care. In our operations, too, we consistently focus on environmentally friendly, resource-saving processes.

This combination of an urban setting, lived experiences in nature and mindful pedagogy is what makes Stadtküken daycares special—and unique in our approach.

Our daycares offer children plenty of space for outdoor movement. Each location has a large, nature-inspired outdoor area that enables varied and creative play in the fresh air. Whether climbing, running, playing in the mud or gardening together, there’s plenty for children to discover and try out outside. In our gardens, children can also connect with nature, for example by planting and harvesting in raised beds or observing insects. What matters to us is always the balance between activity and calm: after lively play outdoors, children find cosy indoor corners again to rest or look at a book.