Strategies of participation in kindergarten

Summary

KIWI has developed and implemented two measures to support the active participation of children in decision-making and organisational processes at kindergarten level. Through the ‘Systemcheck Kinder’, children aged 3 to 6 years are regularly surveyed, while the well-being of 1 to 3 year-olds is observed and assessed by external educational professionals. To ensure quality and safeguard the children in care, site-specific risk analyses are conducted and regularly updated using a purpose-built tool. 

"We can now create an even safer environment for the children. It's great to see how the children's self-confidence and attitudes change when they realise that their views are taken seriously and that they can help shape everyday life."

Topic(s) addressed

• Expanding children's opportunities for participation and co-determination
• Experiencing self-efficacy
• Creating awareness of the importance of one's own opinion and the right to have a say
• Providing motivation for active participation and shared responsibility

Target group(s)

• 1-3 year olds  
• 3-6 year olds  
• kindergarten staff

Methodologies used 

The measures implemented were developed in consultation with Fröbel and in collaboration with Matthias Schäfer, an external specialist consultant, along with the Möwe child protection centre. Kindergarten teams received training from quality management specialists, child protection officers and educational consultants on key areas, including participatory and needs-oriented values and attitudes, methods for fostering child participation, and strategies for recognising and minimising risks. Both the ‘Systemcheck Kinder’ survey and the risk potential analysis are inclusive - they involve all children regardless of their individual care needs. Through these processes, the children actively practise participation and continue to develop their skills.

Both measures have been integrated into the overall KIWI concept and are now standard practice. The child protection framework has been expanded to include a risk potential analysis, which reduces risks and strengthens the sense of security for both staff and children. KIWI implements the ‘Systemcheck Kinder’ survey and the risk potential analysis in close cooperation with internal quality management, regional management, specialist educational advice, child protection officers and the management and staff of all 92 KIWI kindergartens and day nurseries.

Innovation environment

Both measures have been integrated into the overall KIWI concept and are now standard practice. The child protection framework has been expanded to include a risk potential analysis, which reduces risks and strengthens the sense of security for both staff and children. KIWI implements the ‘Systemcheck Kinder’ survey and the risk potential analysis in close cooperation with internal quality management, regional management, specialist educational advice, child protection officers and the management and staff of all 92 KIWI kindergartens and day nurseries. 

Teachers’ role

The teams at all 92 KIWI kindergartens and after-school care centres are trained on risk management, appropriate interventions, and methods for encouraging child participation. Each year, managers prepare a site-specific risk potential analysis, which is combined with the results of the child survey and shared with staff as a basis for the further development of their educational work. This approach not only enhances awareness but also empowers educators to create a safe environment that supports child welfare and fosters democratic participation of children at their site. 

Children are actively involved in decision-making and organisational processes, allowing them to experience self-efficacy and build self-confidence. Depending on the site, this may include initiatives such as a children's parliament, children's spokespersons, elections, or children's consultation hours with the management.

Impact and output

All KIWI educators undergo pedagogical professional development, expanding their knowledge of developmental psychology and strengthening their needs-oriented, participatory approach.  

The values of active participation, empowerment, co-determination and co-creation are also shared with other groups, including parents, national and international (Erasmus) interns, staff from partner schools and other institutions.

Learn more about the project

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