What do I learn in a playgroup leader training course?

Guiding principles

Most playgroup leader training courses are based on the orientation framework for early childhood education and care, which was published by the Swiss UNESCO Commission and the Swiss Childcare Network. This formulates six guiding principles for education-oriented work with young children:

  1. Physical and mental well-being: A child who feels good can be curious and active.
  2. Communication: Children acquire a diverse picture of themselves and the world through exchanges with others.
  3. Belonging and participation: Every child wants to feel welcome and be part of the community from birth.
  4. Strengthening and empowerment: The reactions that a child experiences to his person and his behavior influence his image of himself
  5. Inclusion and acceptance of diversity: every child needs a place in society.
  6. Holism and appropriateness: Young children learn with all their senses, guided by their interests and previous experiences.

Learning material

Specifically, prospective playgroup leaders deal with these topics during their training:

  • Regularly and systematically observe, reflect on and document children's educational and developmental processes
  • Moderate educational processes, create a stimulating learning environment and ensure that children's individual interests are taken into account
  • Maintain educational partnerships so that children receive the best possible development conditions in all learning environments
  • Plan, develop and regularly evaluate the education and childcare program

Playgroup leaders: skills and knowledge

Trained playgroup leaders understand children's behavior and know the importance of children's play. They know how to encourage children and support and promote their individual development. They use songs, verses, picture books and stories to stimulate children's imagination and language development. Using various materials such as wood, paper, fabric, modeling clay, water, etc., they appeal to all the physical senses and support the development of fine motor skills. They communicate intensively with parents about the children's progress and development, hold consultations and recommend specialist support if necessary.

Provider of courses "Playgroup leader (certified)"