Autumn is harvest time! 🍇🍂
We harvested the grapes in our garden – and tasted them right away.
Read moreSmall-group childcare in Ditzingen
A little home to grow up in.
At Kindernest Igelhäuschen we care for children aged one to three – in a small group, with familiar caregivers and plenty of time for every child.
- Small group
- 1 to 3 years
- Ditzingen
Tap and explore
Why Igelhäuschen
What makes us special
Small group
Up to ten children, familiar caregivers – and time for every child.
Language every day
Songs, rhymes, finger games and lots of talking – language learning is part of everyday life here.
Gentle settling-in
Following the Berlin model, at your child’s pace and together with you.
Our own movement room
Climbing, sliding and romping, whatever the weather.
Outdoors
A very large garden, walks and nature – in almost any weather.
Freshly cooked
We cook lunch fresh every day, with snacks and fresh fruit and vegetables daily.
Pedagogy with a plan
Pikler, Montessori elements and plenty of free play – every child at their own pace.
A look inside
A peek into the Igelhäuschen
Bright, warm and cosy: this is what it looks like here.
Child protection
A safe place for your child
Children should feel safe, secure and taken seriously with us. How we make sure of that every day is set out in our child protection policy: from respectful nappy changing and every “no” that counts to clear ways to raise concerns.
Our protective hedgehog sums up the ten guiding thoughts. It also hangs in plain sight at the Kindernest.
Read the child protection policy (PDF, German)
- Respect for dignity and needs
- Every no counts
- No coercion
- Protecting privacy
- Explaining everything in a child-friendly way
- Comforting with empathy
- Clear, calm boundaries
- No punishment or threats
- Regular self-reflection
- Treating parents with respect
Hedgehog facts for little explorers
What does the hedgehog do all year?
Tap the hedgehog!
Autumn
Food and leaves
In autumn the hedgehog eats until it has a nice round tummy. It carries leaves in its mouth and builds a warm nest.
Did you know?
Hedgehogs only carry apples on their backs in picture books – they like beetles best.
At Igelhäuschen, too, children experience the seasons with all their senses – outdoors, at play and in stories.
Daily routine
A day with us
A reliable rhythm gives small children a sense of security.
8:00 – 8:45
Arriving and free play
The children arrive and have time to play and say hello.
8:45 – 9:00
Morning circle
We greet each other, sing songs and talk about the day.
9:00 – 9:30
Breakfast
We all have breakfast together in a calm atmosphere. Breakfast together is a fixed ritual in our day.
9:30 – 11:00
Play, create, move
Free play, crafts, the movement room or time outdoors – the children help decide.
11:00 – 11:30
Getting ready for lunch
Nappy changing, hand washing and setting the table together.
11:30 – 12:15
Lunch and a story
Freshly cooked, together at the table. Afterwards we read a short story that eases the way into rest time.
12:15 – 13:45
Nap time
The children rest and recharge for the afternoon.
13:45 – 15:00
Snack and pick-up
After nap time there is a small snack. Pick-up is from 14:00 and by 15:00 at the latest – depending on the care contract.
Our name
Why “Igelhäuschen”?
Our name comes from the Croatian children’s book “Ježeva kućica” (“The Hedgehog’s Little House”) by Branko Ćopić. A little story about what makes a home:
Ježurka Ježić the hedgehog is invited to dinner by Mica the fox. The food is delicious!
When it gets dark, the hedgehog wants to go home. “Thank you, but I like to sleep in my own bed.”
The fox, the wolf, the bear and the boar follow him, curious. What could the hedgehog’s home be like?
Under the old beech tree stands his little house, small and lined with leaves. “It is simple, but it is mine. Here I am free and safe.”
That is exactly how Igelhäuschen should feel for your child: small, warm and a home away from home where they feel safe and can grow.
The book is now also available in German.
News
News from the Igelhäuschen
A hedgehog house for our garden
We put together a hedgehog house, painted it in bright colours and set it up in the garden. Now we are curious whether a hedgehog will move in.
Read more
Our summer party – a day full of fun and good spirits! ☀️🎉
Buffet, water games, colourful tattoos and funny sunglasses: our summer party was a thoroughly successful day.
Read moreContact
Come and meet us
Looking for a childcare place or have questions? Write to us or give us a call – we look forward to hearing from you.
Opening hours
- 8:00 – 14:00 or 8:00 – 15:00 (depending on the contract)