Playgroups are groups of 8-10 children aged 2 and 4-5 years. They meet regularly once to three times a week for 2-3 hours. The children come together with other children, play with each other and gain important experiences. Playing together supports and promotes the children's social, emotional, cognitive, physical and psychological development. For children with special needs, the playgroup is an important way of integration, and for children with a migration background, especially in terms of language.
There are specialized playgroups that focus on a specific area of experience, such as forest playgroups, music playgroups, language playgroups, as well as so-called pre-playgroups that accept infants from 18 months.
In contrast to daycare centers, the children in the playgroup are not looked after all day. For example, there is no lunch in the group and no afternoon nap.
Playgroup leaders lead and manage the playgroup. They plan the activities according to the season and depending on the weather and the opportunities offered by the environment. They provide the play and craft materials and set up the room. They create a safe environment with rituals and regular activities such as a welcome song at the beginning, a shared snack, verses to comfort or encourage the children and a shared farewell ritual at the end. During playtime, they allow the children to play alone and with each other. If necessary, they support, mediate and comfort the children and are a safe point of reference for them. On certain days, they plan special activities such as finger painting, trampoline jumping or splashing around in the rubber pool. Overall, the children are not overwhelmed by impressions and activities, but move, play, work, make music, dance, sing and laugh a lot.
Playgroup leaders usually work alone, in pairs or with the support of trainees and parents. The playgroup leader observes the children, provides stimulation and sets clear boundaries, allowing the children to develop and grow through playful experiences. The aim is for the children to be supported in their motor, linguistic and emotional development and to learn to find their place in a group of their peers, to help each other, to show consideration and to resolve conflicts.
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