FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions parents ask most.
The most important questions about enrolment, daily life and food – answered briefly.
Enrolment & voucher
From what age can children join?
We care for children in a mixed-age group from 1½ to 6 years.
How do I apply for the Kita-Gutschein in Berlin?
You apply for the Kita-Gutschein at the youth welfare office (Jugendamt) of the district you live in, even if your child will attend a kindergarten in another district. Submit the application no earlier than nine and no later than two months before the desired start date; processing takes about six to eight weeks. From their first birthday, every child is entitled to up to seven hours of care a day without you having to give reasons. For more hours, the Jugendamt asks for proof, for example from your employer. With the Gutschein you then sign the care contract directly with us.
How do I enrol my child?
Send a place enquiry via “Request a place” or the contact form. For a place you'll need a Kita voucher from the youth welfare office.
What does a place cost?
Childcare is free of charge in Berlin. You only need a valid Kita voucher.
Is there a waiting list?
Yes. As we have only 17 places, it's worth enquiring early. We're happy to add you to the waiting list.
What do we need before the first day?
Besides the Kita-Gutschein we need proof of sufficient measles protection for your child – the vaccination record, a medical certificate of immunity, or a certificate stating that vaccination is not medically possible. Children under one year are exempt. This follows from the German Measles Protection Act.
Daily life & settling-in
How many educators look after the children?
Our 17 children are looked after by three educators and one trainee — one of them speaks Spanish throughout the day. They are joined by our music teacher every Monday from 10 to 11 am and by our art project leader once a week. In a small, mixed-age group, every educator knows every child.
Are the children prepared for school?
Yes. Three times a week we work in small groups specifically with the pre-school children. That way they grow into what school will ask of them at their own pace, without the kindergarten turning into a classroom.
How does settling-in work?
Gently, following the “Berlin model”: in the first days a familiar caregiver accompanies your child until they feel safe and at home.
When can I drop off and pick up my child?
We're open Mon–Thu 8:00 am–5:00 pm and Fri until 4:30 pm. Please bring your child before the morning circle at 10:00 am if possible.
When is the kindergarten closed?
There are fixed closing periods during the year (e.g. between Christmas and New Year and a few weeks in summer). We announce the exact dates in good time.
Food & language
What is the food like – and what about allergies?
We cook fresh, organic and balanced every day. We have experience with nut allergies – please talk to us and we'll find a solution together.
Does my child already need to speak German or Spanish?
No. The children grow into both languages playfully – no prior knowledge is needed.
How does the bilingual approach work day to day?
One of our teachers speaks Spanish throughout, the others German. So the children experience both languages naturally during the day.
What is on offer beyond the everyday routine?
Changing projects run through the kindergarten year: a pottery course, a theatre project, road safety training with bicycles, our garden project, art projects, and gymnastics in winter. Early music education and outings into the city come on top of that.
Do the children get outside?
Yes. Right across the road the children tend their own raised beds in the neighbourhood garden — sowing, watering and harvesting herbs and berries. Lietzensee park is just 100 metres away. We also go on outings into nature and to the theatre, museum, zoo and opera.
Where is canicas and how do we get there?
We are at Friedbergstraße 41, 14057 Berlin, in the heart of the Stuttgarter Platz neighbourhood in Charlottenburg. It is a few minutes' walk from Charlottenburg station (S3, S5, S7, S9); the U7 stops at Wilmersdorfer Straße. Parking in the area is limited and metered — we recommend coming by public transport.
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