Description and Stations

"Die Haarzöpfchen" is centrally located in the district; on Hatzper Straße, approximately 80 meters from the elementary school. Several private and public parking spaces are available directly in front of the building. The Haarzopf district borders the city of Mülheim and is close to the A52 and A40 motorways. It is therefore easily accessible from other neighboring cities and districts of Essen. Bus lines 130, 136, 145, and 194 can be reached from the Erbach stop.

Introduction/specifics

"Die Haarzöpfchen" is a private one-to-one daycare center. It accommodates up to five children aged 1-3 years. Here, the toddlers experience an atmosphere characterized by joy and familiarity, inviting them to explore the world at their own pace. Recurring rituals and the constant alternation of movement and rest periods provide the children with security and a structured framework for their individual development. A male childminder works here and offers the children a reliable bond, but also a calm, caring, and consistent attitude characterized by joy. I was born in 1983 and have been a single father since 2016. This new role quickly changed my "vocation," as I had previously worked as an occupational therapist.

Rooms

Ground-floor apartment with two playrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, a hallway, and a separate relaxation room, approximately 70 square meters in area. Educational opportunities include various play and furnishing materials, spatial perspectives, and motor skills challenges. Plans can be found in the concept and on the website.

Outdoor Facilities

I offer an approximately 100m² paved yard with a gentle slope where various vehicles can be tested and mastered, as well as an approximately 600m² garden with sandboxes, slides, swings, hide-and-seek, herb and vegetable beds, fruit trees, climbing opportunities, and ample space for exercise. Plans can be found on the website.

Daily Schedule

7:30-8:30 Drop-off time, free play in the group
8:30-9:00 Morning circle and singing games
9:00-10:00 Breakfast
10:00-11:30 Free play with activities, mostly outdoors
11:30-12:00 Table setting and meal preparation
12:00-12:30 Lunch
12:30-14:30 Afternoon nap
14:30-15:00 Snack time, free play indoors and outdoors
15:00-15:30 Pick-up time, free play in the group

Food

Freshly prepared and healthy food is offered. I refrain from offering sweets.

Breakfast: Fruit, cereal, mostly homemade bread
Lunch: Fresh hot meals
Snacks: Vegetables, fruit
Drinks: Water, tea

Basics

My approach to children is characterized by appreciation and empathy. My goals are to foster self-confidence, support the joy of discovering the world, and promote social interaction. In doing so, I aim to model respectful interactions with others and with oneself. A strong bond with the childminder, on the one hand, and their sensitive socio-emotional skills, on the other, foster a sense of understanding and acceptance. From this empowered position, the child learns to orient themselves in physical and social spaces and to assert themselves. In my opinion, providing the child with opportunities for perception and reflection is a central task of education. Another task of education is to recognize and share in a child's natural curiosity, enthusiasm, and joy. The mission of childcare encompasses education, training, and care, and relates to the child's social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development.

Quality Assurance

In the city of Essen, having a childcare license is a prerequisite for practicing childcare. Furthermore, I attend continuing education courses, am trained in first aid for infants, receive professional support from the Diakoniewerk (the Diakonie organization), have participated in the current hygiene training provided by the health department, am in regular contact with other childcare providers, and maintain individual development documentation. The quality of childcare is significantly improved compared to other forms of childcare due to the low staff-to-child ratio.

Cooperations

Regular collegial exchange with other childminders, especially those who live locally.

Teamwork with parents

Our parenting partnership requires a collaborative approach among all participants, which we encourage through shared activities. Furthermore, networking among parents is highly beneficial for organizing and planning their children's future leisure activities. Garden parties, parent-teacher evenings, parent-teacher meetings, and developmental discussions are planned and take place at regular intervals, but are not mandatory. In this way, parents and children benefit equally from a stay at the "die Haarzöpfchen" daycare center.

Holiday Care

In case of illness or during vacation periods, the professional association is your competent contact for replacements.