Introduction/specifics

Care Times / Modules

Kindergarten (ages 3 until school entry):

• GT 45: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm

• VÖ GT 36: Monday, Tuesday, Friday 7:30 am – 1:30 pm and Tuesday and Thursday 7:30 am – 4:30 pm

• VÖ 30: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 1:30 pm

• VÖ 30 Nature: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 1:30 pm

Mixed-age group U3 and Ü3 (ages 2 until school entry):

• AM VÖ 30: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 1:30 pm

Nursery (ages 1 to 3):

• VÖ 35: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 2:30 pm

Groups / Facilities:
Our facility is located in the western part of the city of Ravensburg, in close proximity to the Waldorf School.

We care for approximately 148 children from the age of one until school entry, across eight different groups (6 kindergarten groups, 1 mixed-age group for children under and over 3, and 1 nursery group). Our facility is divided into three "locations": four groups are housed in the main building, two groups are located on the school's horticultural grounds, and two groups near the Weststadt cemetery are designated as nature groups. All nature groups have access to a construction trailer or purpose-built shelters for cover.

Rooms

The building that houses the kindergarten was constructed at ground level using a simple timber frame design. The group rooms are very bright, as they face south. The pastel-colored glazed walls give the rooms a warm and cozy atmosphere.

All group rooms have direct access to the garden and are equipped with a kitchenette. Each room includes a play area for dolls, a construction corner, and plenty of space and materials for children to create their own little “worlds.” Each group has its own designated cloakroom and restroom facilities.

Three of the nature groups have a wooden cabin and a covered area for protection against the rain. The second nature group can retreat into two construction trailers and also has a covered seating and play area.

Each pair of nature groups forms its own independent unit, separated from the main building.

The "Kinderstube," our nursery group, has its own area, consisting of a group room, a sleeping room, and a larger sanitary and diaper-changing area.

Outdoor Facilities

Our facility includes a garden that is fully enclosed by a fence. It features a grassy area with large apple trees, and along the fence there are various shrubs that are great for climbing. The trees provide good shade in the summer and, in autumn, their leaves offer a wide range of play and exploration opportunities. The garden is designed to encourage free and creative play, while also offering quiet spaces for retreat between the hedges. The clay-rich soil allows for many elemental experiences, such as playing with mud and water.

Permanently installed play structures include a climbing frame, two playhouses, and a large sandbox for each group.

The garden area for the nursery group ("Kinderstube") is separated by a fence from the rest of the garden, giving the younger children their own dedicated space.

The four nature groups are located either on the horticultural grounds of the Waldorf School or on a large area near the Weststadt cemetery. Each group has a large, landscaped meadow for their play. Trees, shrubs, and garden beds divide the play area and create structure for the children. Each group also has its own sandbox.

Food

We prepare a fresh snack (Vesper) for the children every day, with the help of the children. We use only organic products and pay attention to seasonal availability.

The snack menu follows a weekly cycle and includes a variety of foods such as muesli, homemade pastries, bread, freshly baked rolls, and—in the winter months in the nature groups—various warm porridges or soups.

Lunch is provided by the school kitchen of the Waldorf School and is freshly prepared there each day. It includes up to three fresh salads, a main course, and a dessert. All ingredients are primarily organic as well. Only vegetarian meals are served in the kindergarten.

For the youngest children, the nursery group ("Kinderstube") prepares lunch themselves and adapts the menu to the needs of this age group.

Basics

We work in all groups based on the image of the human being as described by Rudolf Steiner. The children are assigned to fixed groups with consistent educators. A strong relationship builds trust and provides a sense of security for the children. Through recurring routines, established rituals, and a clear daily structure, the children find their bearings. They are able to fully engage their strength and imagination in self-directed play, which takes up a significant part of the daily routine. Simple, natural materials support this kind of play.

It is important to us to share a healthy breakfast with the children each day and to spend time outdoors, either playing in the fresh air or going into the nearby forest. The celebration of religious seasonal festivals shapes the year and introduces the children to religious and ethical values.

The children in the four nature groups spend the entire morning outside and engage deeply with nature through play. Two of the nature groups are located on the horticultural grounds of the Waldorf School, and two are near the Weststadt cemetery. To protect the children, each site includes a covered area with either a hut or a construction trailer.