Forest daycare center

On February 15, 2024, the city of Idar-Oberstein's new forest daycare center opened its doors. In future, a construction trailer will be the focal point and place of residence for the daycare children during drop-off and pick-up times. It has been converted by a specialist company to meet the needs of a forest daycare center. As in other daycare centers, there are, for example, tables for crafting and painting, book corners, space for games, a plateau with a cozy corner and other familiar elements. There is also a small kitchenette and a toilet. But everything is multifunctional and, above all, "suitable for the forest". There will also be a small fenced-in outdoor area around the construction trailer. The site of the construction trailer can be easily reached by car and there is also a bus stop not too far away.

The forest children's actual place of learning and play will be the Dietzenwald forest. After drop-off time, the children and teachers meet for the morning circle and decide together which of the places in the forest they will go to. These places have been agreed with the responsible forest administration, not least for safety reasons. After arriving at the site, they have breakfast together and then the children usually start their free play. Of course, there will also be activities and stimuli from the teachers, but free play is deliberately given a high priority. This allows the children to explore freely and creatively, follow their own interests, research and ultimately learn with and from each other in a sustainable and intensive way. At the end of the playtime, the children return to the construction trailer site, where they are either picked up immediately or after lunch.