Forest daycare center

The city of Idar-Oberstein's new forest daycare center opened on February 15, 2024. A construction trailer is the focal point and place of residence for the daycare children during drop-off and pick-up times. It was 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 is also 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 actual place where the forest children learn and play is 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 are agreed with the responsible forest administration, not least for safety reasons. After arriving at the site, the children have breakfast together and then usually start their free play. Of course, there are also 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 building trailer area, where they are either picked up immediately or after lunch.