A visit to childcare staff in Germany
Students taking the part-time AD programme ‘Pedagogical Education Professional’ visited staff in various childcare organisations in Ahaus, Germany. A networking afternoon on the theme of language development was organised especially for their visit.
As a first step, the students visited two different schools to get an insight into professional practice. In the Montessori school in Ahaus, they learned more about teaching methods used with older children. They also visited a nursery school (KITA) to find out more about day care and education for young children in Germany.
A visit to a German nursery school
In the afternoon, they attended a programme with German childcare colleagues. The programme was opened by the town councillor of Ahaus who highlighted the importance of cross-border exchanges that help us learn from each other. The collaboration between Saxion’s School of Education and the BBS Ahaus vocational training centre and KITA staff are excellent examples.
After the introduction, the day’s programme got under way with a presentation on the differences in parenting styles in the Netherlands and Germany. A language specialist gave a lecture on language development and language support measures in German nursery schools. There was also a workshop on the cultural differences between the two countries.
The day ended with a panel discussion where the participants shared their personal experiences of living and working across the border in the Netherlands and Germany, in schools and childcare. All in all, the part-time students of the AD programme ‘Pedagogical Education Professional’ enjoyed an interesting and successful day.
Networking afternoon at the castle in Ahaus
The visit was financially supported by the Euregio’s ‘Small Projects Fund.’
