Emmi Pikler and the pedagogical policy of Kideo childcare

Kideo childcare's pedagogical policy is based on the vision of Emmi Pikler. Emmi Pikler (1902-1984) was an Austrian pediatrician and educator. Her unique method revolutionized the way we interact with babies and children in the 1940s and 1950s. Pikler discovered that children are born with the urge to explore and learn. Her method is so clear and well-founded that it is still widely used today.

The origins of the Pikler method

After the birth of their daughter, Emmi and her husband decided to raise their child freely. Free in the sense that they didn't force her to roll over, sit, or stand. They gave her the space to explore the world on her own. They gave her complete, one-on-one attention at set times and considered her a full-fledged human being from birth. Emmi Pikler prioritized the child's autonomy. What she saw in her daughter confirmed Pikler's concept of natural development. Her daughter was active and confident in her own abilities. Emmi Pikler began advising and mentoring other parents. She gave lectures and wrote about her parenting methods. World War II was a difficult time for Pikler, a Jew, and her family. Her husband was persecuted for political reasons. The parents Emmi advised and mentored ensured her family's survival.

Lóczy Orphanage and the Pikler Method Worldwide

In 1946, Emmi Pikler became director of the Hungarian orphanage Lóczy. She was convinced that children in an orphanage could also develop healthy attachments and fully develop into active, inquisitive children. She provided the orphans with a loving home where they could discover the world at their own pace. She ran the orphanage in her own unique way, hiring young, uneducated girls. The application process consisted of simply changing a diaper. She accepted applicants who performed this process with love and attention. Afterward, the staff received internal training using the Pikler method. Emmi Pikler carefully observed the children in the orphanage. Her findings were published in numerous scientific journals, and the results were confirmed in follow-up studies. The Pikler method is known worldwide, and parents, caregivers, schools, and daycare centers continue to learn from her vision. The Pikler Institute in Budapest still offers daily training and courses. The Netherlands has its own Emmi Pikler Foundation.

Pikler toys

In the authoritarian 1940s and 1950s, Emmi Pikler's approach was highly innovative. This is the foundation of the Pikler method: allow a child to develop freely, at their own pace and on their own initiative. Follow the child as a caregiver and co-caregiver. Provide a stimulus-poor yet stimulating environment with open-ended play materials. Open-ended play materials? These are materials without a set purpose. Materials that the child can discover for themselves. They are also called open-ended toys or passive toys. Passive toys produce active children. Examples of Pikler toys include a handkerchief, a pine cone, wooden bowls, and a large wooden climbing frame, the so-called Pikler triangle.

Emmi Pikler and the goal of playing independently

Independent play has a positive effect on a child's autonomy. The child decides how long they play and discovers for themselves what they can and want to do with the toys. This way, the child learns what they find interesting and what they don't. Independent, free play is good for developing self-awareness. Or, as Emmi Pikler puts it: "A child who achieves something by experimenting independently acquires a completely different knowledge than a child who is presented with a ready-made solution."

One-on-one moments

Another important aspect of Emmi Pikler's pedagogical vision is the one-on-one time. When a baby is being changed or fed, they receive our full attention. Familiar faces are crucial in this regard. You also explain what you're going to do, for example, changing the child's diaper. This may seem strange, as a baby can't talk yet. But the child hears your voice and the calm that comes with it. They become familiar with the actions and thus learn what to expect. This fosters trust and a healthy bond between baby and caregiver. This allows you, as a caregiver, to clearly identify the baby's needs and provide what they require. Not because you think they should learn something, but because the baby indicates they're ready for it. Emmi Pikler's philosophy can be summarized as: "Help me do it myself."

The Pikler method in practice at Kideo

At Kideo Childcare, we create an environment that offers both challenge and security, based on the Pikler philosophy. Children feel safe and secure there, allowing them to be themselves. Did you know that at Kideo, we carry babies in a baby sling ? This also helps foster strong attachment. In our daycare center, children are free to explore. We don't direct them. By demonstrating or guiding them, we would interfere with a child's ability to discover things for themselves. We also provide undisturbed one-on-one time where we can give them our undivided attention, and our daycare center is fully designed according to the Pikler principle.

Care and meal times

At Kideo, we view caregiving as an excellent opportunity for quality one-on-one contact. Changing a diaper is one such moment. Eye contact, talking about what's happening, and responding to sounds—it's all part of the experience. Even when a childcare worker is bottle-feeding your baby, she focuses her full attention on it. She speaks softly to your child, holds them on their lap, and makes eye contact. The child indicates how much they want to drink. If their attention shifts, the childcare worker waits quietly until they return. The baby lies comfortably with her, and she isn't distracted by other children. They will receive her undivided attention at another time. Mealtimes for children who can eat independently are focused on their own pace. At Kideo , all food is organic . The food is prepared with care and attention. We offer children a variety of flavors and textures. They decide what and how much they eat. They are given the space to eat at their own pace. They can pick up, touch, and explore the food themselves.

Playing in peace

We don't steer children in their play. Our daycare center has wonderful, passive toys that are at eye level for children, allowing them to explore on their own. The toys are made from natural materials like wood, wicker, and wool. We also collect beautiful things outside to play with, such as feathers, branches, and pretty leaves. We don't interfere with the children's play. They are given the peace and quiet to play independently. We encourage them. We only intervene when safety is at risk.

Motor development

At Kideo childcare, we monitor your child's motor development. For example, we won't put a child who can't sit up unaided in a high chair. We won't place a child who can't stand up. This way, children learn to discover their own pleasures and know: "I am who I am, and that's okay." We do offer a stimulating environment where your child has every opportunity to develop. And we cheer on every milestone!

Pikler interior at Kideo childcare

All Kideo locations in Groningen , Assen , and Drachten are designed according to Emmi Pikler's vision. They are challenging environments. They are also low-stimulus: toys aren't scattered everywhere, and the walls aren't covered in busy posters. There are no bright colors or plastic toys with lights and sounds. Kideo offers a pleasant environment where children can explore. There's a central wall with shelves, from floor to ceiling, containing passive toys. Children can pick these up and explore at their leisure. The cabinets are open and therefore freely accessible. There are wicker poufs, soft rugs, and wooden furniture. Each location also has a studio where children can paint, cut, paste, draw, and much more. This craft room has a wide selection of materials that children can use themselves. Outside, children can play to their heart's content. There's a lawn, a sandbox, and all kinds of outdoor toys. We also have a vegetable garden where we grow various fruits and vegetables together.