EVIM daycare center provides new impetus at the German Showmen's Union delegates' conference

For more than five years, the daycare center for children of traveling professionals has been on the road with its mobile daycare vehicles, visiting fairgrounds and the quarters of showmen and circus families, for example. The outreach program has undergone continuous development. The positive effects of early childhood education are noticeable and were also evident in many discussions at the delegates' conference. Currently, a team of six educators looks after around 35 regular children as well as numerous children passing through.

Group activities strengthen social experiences

An important milestone is the expansion of group activities. Three years ago, a pilot project was launched in cooperation with the EVIM daycare center at Schlockerhof in Hattersheim. There, children of traveling professionals were able to play, learn, and gain social experience together in fixed rooms on several days. "It's something special for the children to visit a large daycare center with several rooms and experience everyday life there," says Theresa Saup. At the same time, they benefit from getting to know peers who are growing up in similar circumstances. Contact with the children at the regular daycare center is also encouraged and is promoted, for example, through outdoor activities.

The experience in Hattersheim so far has shown both positive and challenging aspects. The quarterly program is well used by some parents and children, even though it involves additional organizational effort for the families. "We would like to make this format available at other locations in the future," says Theresa Saup. Suitable premises are being sought, for example in Giessen, Bad Vilbel, Bad Homburg, and, in the future, also in Frankfurt, especially during the Dippemess fair. 

Impetus for parent-teacher partnerships

A particular focus is on expanding the parent-teacher partnership. "We focus on supporting and strengthening parents in their skills," says Theresa Saup. A monthly newsletter is planned, providing insights into the educational work and ideas for games and activities that can be used at home on a daily basis. In addition, material boxes will be available for loan to provide practical support for families in their everyday lives.

Parent-child excursions

Another project close to the team's heart is joint parent-child excursions. This year's first excursion will be to Freudenberg Castle in Wiesbaden. "We want to spend a whole day together with the families," reports Theresa Saup. The starting point was the desire for more interaction in an everyday and informal setting. Joint parent-child excursions offer a good opportunity to talk to each other and make contacts. "Such joint activities promote relationships and build trust," says the director.

Hesse is a pioneer

It also became clear at the delegates' meeting that early childhood education is very important to families who travel for work. There were repeated questions as to why the EVIM program is not available in other federal states. A look at Nuremberg highlights the need: during the Christmas market season, parents and the showmen's association took the initiative to set up a container daycare center in cooperation with a local provider.

"Hesse is a pioneer in this area," explains Theresa Saup. The federal state comprehensively covers the educational needs of children of professional travelers – from early childhood education to school programs and vocational training. This is made possible by close cooperation with EVIM's sister project, the school for children of professional travelers, as well as other training programs with EVIM participation. With the participation of Prof. Briedigkeit, who provides scientific support to the daycare center, the establishment of an "Early Childhood Education" working group at the Education Association for Traveling Workers is also in the planning stages.

Daycare mobiles at their limit 

The aging Kita-Mobile vehicles remain a challenge. Three vehicles are currently in use, supplemented by a replacement vehicle that is regularly used due to workshop times. Four colleagues are currently working in southern and central Hesse, and two more have been working in northern Hesse since the beginning of the year – where the distances are particularly long due to the lack of urban areas.

"Daycare centers connect parents"

Despite a few challenges, Theresa Saup draws a thoroughly positive conclusion: "Even after five years, this work is still incredibly enjoyable. We experience a lot of gratitude from the parents." She says it is particularly valuable that parents are regularly involved in the outreach work and actively support their children's development. A nice example of the impact of the program was recently demonstrated: Two showman families, whose winter quarters are close to each other, found each other through the daycare center and now arrange joint activities on their own. "The daycare center connects the parents," says Theresa Saup with a smile. The daycare center now accompanies some children over several years – until they transition to school for children of traveling workers. The start of school is traditionally celebrated with a big party, which marks a particularly successful transition to the next stage of education. (hk/ts)