Dear parents,
for a child, life is not divided into „at home“ and „at kindergarten/daycare“. Which is why cooperation is required between families and KIWI teams if we want to provide children with the best possible support as they develop.
This cooperation, this interaction between families and kindergarten and daycare teams, is described as an „educational partnership“: our teams cultivate a regular and transparent exchange with families, understand caregivers as experts when it comes to their children and work together with them to support children in the best possible manner.
Characterised by openness, mutual respect and a shared focus on the child, educational partnership is important at all levels of our daily pedagogical work. It ranges from daily informal exchanges in passing, to dropping off and picking up children, to regular development discussions, all the way to KIWI parent coaching and our specialist parent talks – two established offerings with which we’ve been supporting KIWI parents in their role for many years now.
The special KIWI journal that you’re holding in your hands (or reading online) expands this offering. While the magazine is normally aimed at professionals, this edition is dedicated entirely to you, the parents. Why is educational partnership important for ensuring children grow up healthily? How can this dialogue between families and educational teams be as successful as possible – even if misunderstandings or emotional topics sometimes need to be resolved? Where can you turn to as a family if you still require additional support?
The articles in this edition, written by experts in both research and practice, illustrate what advantages a vibrant educational partnership can have for children’s development from a range of different perspectives.
This edition is rounded out by an extensive post featuring consultation and support services for families in Vienna – with KIWI or externally. You’ll also find book and podcast tips that can accompany and empower families in their day-to-day home life.
At this point, we’d also like to thank all our employees at the various locations and at the office for their daily commitment. The well-being of the children entrusted to us and a successful educational partnership are always at the centre of their professional activity.
We hope you feel inspired reading this edition and wish your family a wonderful time growing together with KIWI! Thank you for the trust placed in the teams at our kindergartens and daycares each and every day.
