Kindergarten means "children garden" or "garden of children." The term was developed by  German educator Friedrich Fröbel (1782-1852).  The word Kindergarten in America prompts thoughts of students beginning elementary school. In Germany, it represents the childcare and preschool services available to families with young children. The education philosophy of a kindergarten is play based with plenty of opportunities to explore indoors and outdoors and engage in language learning.

In Spring 2017, I made a phone call to Bettingen Kindergarten. My German landlord Anja recommended this "kita" as a place for my children to attend preschool. Anja made a phone call to check availability and encouraged me to  set up an appointment to meet with the director. As I met the director, she was warm, kind, friendly, and open. She shared there was space for my daughter to attend in the Spring. My son would be eligible to attend in the fall. From this point on, my daughter attended for a full year at the age of five and my son attended from the age of three until now. As our time in Germany winds down, this will be his last full week. 

As a military connected family, the coming of my son's last day is a sobering reminder of the "clock" ticking. A clock that has been in countdown since our arrival to Germany in 2015. There are so many connections our family formed but the emotions involved in changing schools is a challenge. As I reflect, many experiences at the kindergarten have cultivated and developed my children. My children have celebrated Namenstag and Fasching with peers, walked and played in the forest, learned French, acquired the German language and so much more. The Kindergarten provided opportunities for my children to engage with and in their surroundings. They were immersed in the culture of the area. 

To the Kita St. Maximin in Bettingen, thank you for caring for my children. Your attention to detail ensured their ability to thrive in their preschool years. These experiences will be key in framing their outlook and perception of the world around them. We are forever grateful.