The State of Vorarlberg on the Internet

Kindergarten teachers introduce both children and parents to the kindergarten with a great deal of care and sensitivity. They make sure that the child experiences the transition from the parent's house to a pre-school environment with curiosity and enthusiasm. A basic condition of this is a protective atmosphere in which both child and parents feel happy and well looked after. Kindergarten teachers work closely together with parents for the benefit of the child. Both want to open up the world of learning for the child with its individual abilities and inclinations. The group of same-age children plays an important role here.

In the kindergarten children can learn in their own good time and without being pressurised. Within the framework of the longer term and continuous educational process, play is the most important form of learning and is applied in all areas. At play the child acquires the basic skills necessary for learning and working in later life as well as gaining experience. Playing is a child's way of overcoming conflicts, problems and anxieties. The space and time for playing as well as the materials used are adapted to the individual child's level of development and interest.

Other basic principles for education in the kindergarten include:

- promotion according to stage of development, ability and inclination
- promotion of the personality as a whole and of individuality
- focus on the child and its situation in life
- learning in groups
- promotion of creativity and social learning
- reinforcement of the mental ability to cope with difficult situations