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Sustainability
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Healthy Food
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Home from home
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Additional Offerings
Sustainability
At Children First we feel responsible for shaping a generation with real feeling for our planet. Our environmental policy is to actively impact sustainability every day.
Responsible Consumption & Production: We prioritize natural and reusable materials, avoiding excessive plastic in our materials. The children learn to reduce, repair, reuse and recycle. They use recycled materials in their Reggio inspired art projects and learn about the features of all the materials they use.
- Sustainable communities: We teach children about the origins of materials, fostering curiosity and respect for resources.
- Life below water and on land: Our meals feature responsibly sourced meat or fish, no unnecessary additives or processed preservatives, we consider health and environmental impacts in our menu planning.
- Zero Hunger: We teach children to eat appropriate amounts for their bodies avoiding food waste, to value quality ingredients as well as raise funds for children in need through our parent events, concerts and Global Book Fair.
- Climate Action: Staff teach where energy comes from and how to care about how much energy, water and planetary resources we use every day.
- Quality Education: Environmental lessons that are absorbed right from the early years.
Together, our team inspires children to make an impact on our shared future. We instill a love of nature through our daily outdoor play in the garden and weekly forest outings. We believe if children learn to love nature there is a greater chance that they will care and take action to protect it in the future. Children First teachers are proud to nurture the next generation of environmental champions!
While our work with the children is our main focus, we contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals such as:
- Gender Equality: By providing childcare, we empower women to work.
- Decent Work & Economic Growth: Since 2006, we have employed over 100 people and celebrate our “Back to Work” scheme every International Women’s Day.
- Reduced Inequalities: Our equal opportunities policy ensures diversity and inclusivity.
- Partnerships for the Goals: We collaborate locally and globally with like-minded partners, such as Room to Read and the Sustainability Institute.
Home from home
‘In our unique daycare and kindergarten, we have a strong family ethos.’
Lara Bullock, Co-Director
At Children First we prioritise the parent-educator partnership because it is crucial that we bring up your children together. What is more, the well-being of your entire family matters to us.
When we welcome your child, you’ll become part of a friendly, professional and supportive community with Swiss as well as international families. Share your journey and experiences with like-minded multilingual parents. Come and celebrate birthdays, community events and holidays with the special people in your child’s life.
“I like the international community, the parents I’m talking to. The humanistic angle, events are so nice, warm and touching. Christmas and Easter I could have cried… There is a very special touch here at Children First. Monica herself is clearly a very emblematic figure, soul and spirit.”
“It is also strongly anchored in the Swiss community (a very important addition to just an international environment): they use Swiss songs, parents are Swiss or German speakers, unlike other international schools.”
Children First Kindergarten mother
Healthy Food
Lunch and snack times are a big part of the children’s day with us. Designed by a nutritionist, we serve food made fresh every day onsite. Our menus are tasty, seasonal, allergy-adapted, discovery inducing and festive on special occasions.
- No processed sugar
- No allergenic preservatives
- Primarily plant-based with a good protein content every day, Children First menus include meat or fish regularly.
We believe eating together is an enjoyable social occasion to educate young palettes and form healthy habits.
At morning break we share fruit brought from home. Part of the family ethos at Children First, the children learn to share and prepare food together as a key part of community life. Lunches and snacks are made with high quality ingredients. Allergies and intolerances are catered for with professional training for staff.
The lunchtime session is part of our core curriculum. Exercises to develop their hand-eye coordination are incorporated into every mealtime. The children help to set the tables and experience a range of foods as well as learning good manners. Eating together is a communal ritual which develops social as well as practical skills. We are responsible for nourishing their body and spirit!
Additional Offerings
Dance
Yoga
Playball
Piano
Art Atelier
Music
Forest Mornings
Football
Our Community
Family support
Family Coaching
At Children First we believe quality of life centres around the quality of our relationships, both at home and at work. Our family support consultancy service aims to deepen our understanding of ourselves as parents and how we can help our children. Coaching by mature staff helps first time parents and families who have moved to Zürich without extended family support. Popular topics: toilet-training, tantrums, helping your child as they learn to read and write.
Emergency support
In case of illness or emergencies, we understand that parents may need extra support. If you or your partner are unwell, our preschool is here to assist by offering flexible attendance for your child’s care in an emergency or last minute pick-up/drop-off.
Transport service
We offer convenient pick-up and drop-off services to make your daily lives easier. Our reliable transportation ensures that your child is safely escorted to and from Children First, providing peace of mind and a manageable routine for parents.
Sleep
Having a toddler with sleep problems can significantly impact the entire family, affecting emotional well-being, daily functioning, and relationships. Monica Shah Zeeman is a certified Sleep Coach and offers confidential support for families. Your child’s keyworker can provide helpful insights into your child’s temperament and help them get into good sleep habits during the day until they grow out of their afternoon nap.
Nutrition
At Children First, we understand that mealtimes can be a challenge for families with fussy eaters, and we are here to help. Our approach focuses on creating a positive and encouraging environment where children can explore a variety of foods at their own pace.
Parenting support
From expert advice on child development to workshops and resources tailored to your needs, our team is here to empower and guide you every step of the way. From practical advice on toilet training to strategies for behaviour, together, we aim to create a strong partnership that fosters your child’s growth and strengthens your confidence as a parent.
Relocation support
Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, and while relocating with young children can add some challenges, we’re here to make the process easier for you.
After Children First
Opened by Monica Shah in 2018, our fit4school-Zürichberg centre in Kreuzplatz offers integration support, learn-how-to-learn courses, and individual Maths and German tutoring to prepare children in Swiss schools for tests and exams.
More info here
School systems support
Choosing a school will make a huge difference to your child’s language learning. Learn about your options and get insight into how the school you choose impacts your child’s future. We offer company talks on School Choice as well as individual consultancy.
CF Family Life
Welcome to the Children First curated series for families in and around Zurich, Switzerland.
You will find here tips, activities for families and practical parenting advice, as well as ideas for outings – discover hidden gems in Switzerland to enjoy together.
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