Space for your child's own rhythm

Most inclusive kindergartens have fixed daily routines with clearly defined anchor points. For example:

• Drop-off time

• Morning circle

• Free play

• First pick-up time

• Midday care

At first glance, they do not differ significantly from ordinary kindergartens in this respect. What is special is the strict adherence to the daily schedule. This may initially sound like the exact opposite of free development. But as paradoxical as it may seem: an exact timetable gives many children with disabilities a sense of security. And only when your child feels safe can they build trust and fully focus on their own rhythm. This increases the chances that they will engage with the group and the new situation every day and come to enjoy it.

Self-directed learning processes without performance pressure

The goal of an inclusive kindergarten is to give every child—regardless of gender, nationality or disability—the opportunity to freely develop their abilities. Stigmatizing performance principles would hinder this development. Therefore, the approach of most inclusive kindergartens largely aligns with Maria Montessori's educational concept: they create an atmosphere in which your child's individual strengths and weaknesses are taken into account. Self-directed learning processes without artificially induced performance pressure lead to collaborative learning and more sustainable results. Specifically trained staff accompany and promote the learning processes in a pedagogically valuable way.

Partnership-based cooperation with trained staff

In inclusive kindergartens, specially trained educators support both children with disabilities and those without. They observe their charges particularly closely, reflect on their observations in detail, and intervene when it is really necessary or helpful. The focus is primarily on the relationships between the children, but the relationship between children and educators is also regularly reviewed. Furthermore, it is essential in an inclusive kindergarten that all individuals involved in upbringing network intensively and coordinate their efforts. In particular, the equal parenting partnership between kindergarten staff and you, as parents, plays a significant role here. But the responsible authorities and the respective specialist services should also be involved in relevant decisions.

Specialist services for specific support measures

To meet the needs of children with special support requirements, inclusive kindergartens typically work with a special education service. The educators are part of the team and, ideally, are on site regularly. They support the children specifically with their challenges, taking into account their history and social environment. Accordingly, parents are also involved in planning and support here. If necessary in individual cases, the special education service can be supplemented by a medical specialist service. Medical specialist services include physiotherapists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and all other therapists who can be billed to statutory health insurance.

What advantages does an inclusive kindergarten offer?

• Experience of a community that includes all social groups

• Anxieties about interacting between children with and without disabilities are reduced

• Fostering social behavior, mutual appreciation and tolerance

• Holistic individual care for each child

• Usually more staff for smaller groups

• Specialist services can identify problems early and intervene

• Pedagogically valuable concepts as the foundation of educational work

• Intensive cooperation of all parties

• Usually high-quality play materials in a creatively designed environment

What disadvantages can inclusive kindergartens entail?

• Often higher fees compared to other kindergartens

• Usually only a few places are designated as true integration places

• Often long waiting times, especially for children with disabilities

• Physical facilities are often not optimally adapted to disabilities

• Children with complex multiple disabilities can rarely be admitted

Is an inclusive kindergarten the right choice for my child?

Every child is different, so this question cannot be answered in general terms. The great thing about inclusive kindergartens is that they take these individual differences into account in upbringing. If all aspects of your child's personality are to be nurtured and respected, enrolling in an inclusive kindergarten is definitely worth considering. If your child also faces the challenge of managing daily life with a disability, you should definitely consider an inclusive kindergarten. This enables your child to have 'normal' social contacts and reduces the likelihood that they will grow up with the feeling of being on the margins of society. Whether with or without a disability, attending an inclusive kindergarten definitely contributes significantly to the development of openness and tolerance.

Image credits

Child with Down syndrome holds on to swinging rings © malyutinaanna- stock.adobe.com

Educator kneads and paints with children at a table © LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS - stock.adobe.com

Children sit with educator on the floor © Krakenimages.com - stock.adobe.com

Educator paints with a brush while assisting a boy © Iryna - stock.adobe.com