Inhaltsangabe / Table of Contents/Table des matières
Why early intervention is so important
The first years of a child’s life lay the foundation for their entire development – in no other phase is the brain so receptive and flexible. In these formative years, children learn primarily through curiosity and active exploration of their environment. Every new impression, every little adventure shapes their understanding of the world.
Early education creates the ideal framework for this: It supports the little ones in developing cognitive skills such as logical thinking and problem-solving strategies. At the same time, it promotes motor skills – from the first wobbly steps to fine motor challenges such as grasping and handicrafts. Last but not least, it also lays the foundation for social skills. By interacting with other children, the little ones learn the importance of empathy, teamwork and conflict resolution.
Targeted early learning programmes at the daycare centre not only offer children optimal learning opportunities, but also a safe space in which they can try things out and develop their individual talents. In this way, every child is optimally prepared for the challenges of life.
International studies confirm the positive effects of early intervention
Studies from all over the world emphasise the immense importance of early childhood development. The renowned High/Scope Perry Preschool Project in the USA impressively demonstrates how high-quality preschool programmes can sustainably improve the lives of participating children. These children not only performed better at school, but also showed greater social integration, lower crime rates and better career prospects in the long term.
Similar results can be observed in Scandinavia, where early childhood education is considered a fundamental right. Studies from Sweden and Norway show that children who are integrated into educational institutions at an early age are more successful at school and more socially competent. Particular emphasis is placed on playful encouragement that awakens creativity and curiosity and supports children’s natural spirit of discovery.
There are also important research contributions in Germany.
The nifbe study by Dr Birgit Behrensen, Meike Sauerhering and Wiebke Warnecke focuses on individual support in daycare centres. Their conclusion: the decisive factor is an appreciative attitude towards the individual resources of each child. Early intervention means recognising the uniqueness of each child and providing targeted support. These findings make it clear that early educational intervention not only creates equal opportunities, but also lays the foundation for a fulfilled and self-determined life.
Support for the youngest children in all areas
Support for 2-3 year old children focuses on holistic development in various areas:
- Language development: At this age, children develop their language skills quickly. Through reading aloud, songs and simple conversations, they can expand their vocabulary and improve their ability to express themselves.
- Motor development: Activities such as painting, handicrafts or simple movement games support fine and gross motor skills. Outdoor play also promotes physical fitness and balance.
- Social and emotional development: Children learn to interact with others, resolve conflicts and develop empathy. Their self-confidence is strengthened by playing together and being encouraged to be independent.
- Cognitive development: Learning through play, such as puzzles or simple sorting tasks, promotes logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Discovering and experimenting in nature is also important.
- Creative development: Creative activities such as singing, dancing and role-playing support the imagination and the expression of feelings.
The three pillars of support at cocon: the Kiga Club, Fäustling and support integrated into everyday life
At cocon, we deliberately support our ‘butterflies’ in this early development phase with our cocon early development programme: a holistic development concept based on three pillars and specially tailored to the needs of 2-3-year-olds.
The educational work specifically promotes the various areas of development of our youngest children.
The cocon Kiga Club: Playful learning for a smooth transition
Our Kiga Club focuses on cognitive and linguistic development as well as the promotion of fine motor skills. The focus is on learning through play.
The Kiga Club is a special cocon project for children in the last year of crèche, which optimally prepares them for the transition to kindergarten – a kind of ‘pre-school’ in the crèche that facilitates the transition to the next stage of development.
Examples of support in the cocon Kiga Club
- Linguistic development: Children expand their vocabulary by looking at picture books, listening to songs and listening to stories.
- Cognitive skills: First rule games such as ‘First Orchard’ or ‘Memory’ help children to develop logical thinking and concentration.
- Fine motor skills: Exercises such as threading beads or using scissors for the first time train dexterity.
Fäustling: Strengthening social and emotional skills
The core skills of the recognised programme are ‘mindfulness’, ‘emotional competence’ and ‘social competence’. With the lovingly designed finger puppets Finn and Felina, the children learn to express their feelings and the feelings of others and to understand social rules. The children’s social and emotional development thus takes centre stage. A prerequisite for the practical use of the programme is participation in a corresponding training course run by the Heidelberg Prevention Centre (HPZ).
Focus of support in Fäustling
- Accompanying and thematising the settling-in period
- Group membership: The children find their role in the group and strengthen their self-confidence.
- Conflict resolution: Children learn to say ‘no’ and ask for help.
- Empathy: They develop an understanding for the feelings of others.
Support integrated into everyday life at cocon
The early intervention programme firmly anchored in everyday life at cocon offers numerous opportunities to develop independence and practical skills through play. This support, which is integrated into everyday life, helps children to build up their self-confidence and to move safely in everyday life – a foundation that is of inestimable importance.
Early support integrated into everyday life
- Gross motor skills and endurance: Running longer distances, practising traffic rules and ‘mini gym’ units strengthen movement and coordination.
- Promoting independence: Everyday training such as washing hands, getting dressed, table rules and helping with small tasks.
- Encouragement during free play: Challenging puzzles, modelling tasks and specific questions promote cognitive and linguistic development.
- Targeted butterfly activities: Exclusive activities such as ‘Minigym’, ‘Gartenzwerge’ or ‘Kinder forschen’ for individual support.
- Morning circle and communication: Speaking opportunities and simple conversation rules strengthen expression and social skills.
Documentation and communication with parents
Our support programme for the butterflies is clearly structured and is supervised by experienced teachers. The programme runs from October to July, with each pillar being supervised by specially trained staff.
Transparency is important to us. This is why we document our children’s progress and regularly inform parents about their development. Important learning moments are recorded in the form of photo collages, portfolio pages and notices on our project wall.
In addition, our parents are given an insight into their child’s activities during our regular handover meetings. This means that our parents always know what new skills their child has acquired – be it during free play, in the morning circle or during targeted support programmes.
Conclusion: Holistic support for a strong future
Early learning is a crucial building block for a child’s development With our butterfly programme, cocon offers a lovingly designed learning environment that caters to children’s individual needs Through the combination of Kiga Club, Fäustling and support integrated into everyday life, we lay the foundations for positive and self-confident development – and playfully prepare the children for their next steps – and their future.
Do you have any questions about our support concept? Feel free to contact us – we look forward to accompanying you and your child on this exciting journey
