Description and Stations

The premises are easily accessible by car and public transport. The bus (line 196) stops at the "Harkortstraße" stop. A tram (line 106) stops at the "Alfred-Krupp-Schule" stop. The "Hobeisenbrücke" subway station is also within walking distance.

Introduction/specifics

My name is Christine Paus-Franke, and I was born in Essen in 1976. I've been married for the second time since 2016 and am a mother of two children. My adult daughter Julia has already moved out. After our son Moritz was born in 2019, it became clear to me that I didn't want to return to retail. To have more time for my family, I wanted to find a new job. Since I've always wanted to work with children and realized that there are very few places available for children under the age of three, I decided to qualify as a childminder. I want to offer parents and their children a loving, family-like care environment.

Rooms

The daycare center is located on the ground floor of a four-family house in Essen Frohnhausen. The apartment, rented specifically for daycare, has just under 80 square meters and is divided as follows: First, you enter the large hallway, which houses a coat rack for each child, each with their own photo, as well as a shelf with a small basket for each child to store hats, scarves, gloves, etc. From there, you enter the large, fully equipped kitchen-living room, which has both a large table with high chairs and a small table with chairs, so that the right place for eating, puzzles, and painting can be found depending on their developmental stage. Here, the little ones can also actively help with cooking.

From the hallway, you enter the spacious playroom. There, you'll find a ball pit here and there to provide some variety in bad weather, and behind it, secured with two exercise mats, is a climbing triangle with a slide (a Pikler-style climbing triangle). A small wooden kitchen and various wooden toys (doll strollers, building blocks, tools, musical instruments, etc.) for the little ones are also included, as is a cozy corner with mattresses and pillows. Here, one of the many books can be read aloud or the children can simply relax. Across from this is a large construction mat with appropriate materials for the children to be creative. The wall shelf contains various boxes with craft and art supplies, balls, games, and a dress-up box. The bedroom is located directly next to the playroom. There, every child is sure to find the perfect place to sleep. A changing table is a must here, but can also be found in the playroom so that all the children can always be kept under close watch. Small night lights/slumber lights are provided to ward off the darkness. The hallway also leads to the bathroom, equipped with a bathtub and toilet, sink, and towel hooks, as well as a shelf for toothbrush cups. Each child has a self-portrait on the coat hooks in the hallway or on the boxes with spare clothes/diapers, etc., in the bedroom.

Outdoor Facilities

Directly in front of the entrance is a well-maintained public playground, ideal even for the littlest ones.

Daily Schedule

Children arrive between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m.

- Breakfast together at 8:00 a.m.

- Games, art, and playground (weather permitting) between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.

- Lunch at 11:30 a.m.

- Nap between 12:00 and 2:00 p.m.

- Snack at 2:15 p.m.

- Free play until 3:15 p.m.

Pick-up by 3:30 p.m.

Food

Meals are always eaten together. For breakfast, I offer bread and cold cuts – the children can choose whether they want sausage or cheese. Seasonal fruit or vegetables are always available for snacks. I always prepare fresh and varied lunches. I want sweets to be something special. That's why I will occasionally bake something with the children, of course, also for Christmas or birthdays.

I take cultural eating habits into consideration.

Basics

Every child has different needs and talents. My educational work is about letting children discover the world and accompanying them. I want to lovingly support them in their development. Every child has different interests and talents, which I will explore together with them and incorporate into our everyday lives. Respectful and family-like interaction is particularly important to me. Arguments are, of course, also part of the process; I will only intervene if the children are unable to find a solution. I will find solutions with them and apply them repeatedly so that the children can internalize them. My goal is to build a secure bond with the children, strengthen their independence and self-confidence, and promote their development in an age-appropriate manner.

Additional Offerings

The children have the opportunity to further develop their motor skills. They can indulge their need for movement both indoors and outdoors on the playground. Almost all rooms can be used for this purpose. They can run, jump, or even ride on ride-on cars. After breakfast, we listen to music, and of course, they are welcome to dance to it.

Quality Assurance

As a childcare provider, I am required to complete continuing education courses every year. I will do this to the best of my knowledge and ability to support your children in their development as best I can. A refresher course in "First Aid for Children" is also part of this, of course, every two years.

Cooperations

It's important to me to stay in touch with my colleagues. We often meet at the nearby playground. This helps the children experience a larger group dynamic and makes the transition to daycare easier. I maintain regular contact with a nearby daycare center.

Teamwork with parents

Communication between parents and me is very important. Whether it's casual conversations or one-on-one. Your child is constantly developing and dealing with their own problems or those of their parents. To keep an eye on this, it's important to always stay in contact. Mutual trust is the basic prerequisite for this.

Holiday Care

If I am not available for childcare (vacation, training), you have the option of contacting my specialist advisor at the Diakoniewerk.