Day Care Centre "Kita Der Kleine Prinz" - Montessori principals

The daycare center "Kita Der Kleine Prinz" is located near the city of Karlsruhe. The daycare center hosts 72 children aged 1 to 6 years and is open to all children, regardless of their nationality or social background.

The pedagogical approach of the daycare center is based on Montessori principles, which are a key aspect of the work. Phrases like "Help me to do it myself" or "Don’t do it for me, I can and want to do it alone" are central to the philosophy of the daycare center. The team of educators fosters an environment where the children's individual needs are met, ensuring holistic and creative development in a supportive and nurturing atmosphere.

Additionally, excursions to museums, the city, parks, or playgrounds, and collaborations with other institutions take place. It is essential to the pedagogical concept that the children have as much contact with nature and their surroundings as possible.

34 hours in the Kita:

• Supporting the educators in one group of children in their daily activities
• Accompanying the children in free play and excursions
• Taking part in reflections and discussions with colleagues
• supporting the kitchen (preparing, cleaning after breakfast and lunch),
• Optional - realizing your own activity with the children

4 hours in the KJW:

• Attending feedback meetings
• Helping with the organisation of intercultural events and attending them. These are mostly in the evening.
• Organizing your own event about your culture and/or knowledge in a specific field, such as sport, art, music, university studies... This will be part of a cycle of events called „Livin‘ Culture“. You want to check out previous events? Have a look at our ESC volunteers Instagram profile!

Bonus activity: become a youth leader in summer camps

• The KJW offers a pedagogical training to become youth leader. As the training takes place in 3 weekends, you have the free choice to attend it if you are interested in the field.  
• After the training, you have the opportunity to become a summer camp youth leader. Summer camps take place in and outside of Germany and last between one and two weeks. The camps are an amazing chance for you to work and travel for free at the same time.

In addition to the general benefits as stated above, you will receive the following:

• free lunch in the Kita
• the opportunity to attend a free course as a youth leader, including a first aid course, climbing course and the chance to work and travel in Germany or Europe
• an international environment in the Kita and at home and the possibility to spread your own passions in dedicated events

•  Creative and open minded
• Possessing a basic knowledge of German (preferred but not mandatory)
• Motivated in working with children and all the connected duties
• Willing to organize events and present your own culture and knowledges
• Excited in sharing an international environment and flexible when it comes to integration