ESC: Long-term volunteering at Tallinna Kristiine Kindergarten

Since 2013 September, 12 kindergarten classes have been opened: 3 classes of 1,5-3 year old´s and 9 classes with children between 3-7 years, which are divided into four age groups. There are 45 staff members of whom 24 are teachers, one sports class teacher, one music teacher, 2 support specialists, 12 teacher assistants, 3 in management and endig with 2 chefs at the kitchen. We want to do our best to make every child a citizen, whos a good and kind companion to others. The vision of the kindergarten is: Kristiine Kindergarten is a place where cheerful children, satisfied parents and motivated staff enjoy working together. Our mission is to make Kristiine Kindergarten a reliable, value-based, health-promoting, safe learning, growth and development environment. Our mane values are openness, creativity, tolerance, respect, caring and courage, which are included in daily work. The kindergarten has joined and is working on three main projects. "Free of Bullying" is a bullying prevention program used to teach social skills in kindergartens and schools. "Eco Schools Global" which aims to promote sustainable development through environmental education. As a "Health Promotion" kindergarten, we consider the principles and areas through which we can influence the health and development of children in pre-school age. Kindergarten has many traditional events: Knowledge Day (1.september), Autumn Composition Exhibition and Fair, Kindergarten Birthday, Autumn and Spring Family Days, Spring Class Picnics, Estonian traditions like Mardipäev and Kadripäev, Christmas Party´s, Christmas Advent Days, Estonian Independence Day, National Language Day, Sports competitions, Theatre week in March, dance day in Rocca al Mare Open Air Museum, staff training days or health days with sporting events etc. and regular class trips. In 2017 our class teacher Liis Leppmaa was awarded as „Young Teacher of the Year 2017 in Tallinn”. In 2019 our kindergarten was awarded the title "Good Kindergarten Pioneer". This was a recognition for consistent value development, advocacy for outdoor education, and creating a safe environment. Also in 2019 the sports teacher Anne Noomen was awarded as "Kindergarten Teacher of the Year 2019 in Tallinn".