Children First







    Monica Shah, Principal & Founder

    Monica Shah has built an Early Years centre that is one of a kind, making the most of an incredibly rich personal story. She guarantees our standards and ensures quality of service remains excellent. You will often see Monica on the children’s floors offering warmth and support to our staff.

    Never too young to learn

    Our founder, Monica Shah, has crafted a harmonious pedagogical experience from the earliest years of life, drawing from the world’s best influences and her own professional expertise. This British-Swiss citizen of Indian descent has championed bilingual educational opportunities in Zürich since 2006. With a one-of-a-kind background in child and family services, Monica envisioned a centre of excellence in Zürich with resources for families. She focuses on the early years and school-age tutoring to offer Swiss bilingual children an education ‘without borders’

    Our teachers and talented caregivers

    Our teachers have a true love of children and the ability to build positive relationships. Young children need emotional care and gentleness. They benefit from our uniquely experienced, mature team.

    Find out more

    Team Info

    Adri Kollmeyer

    After working as an Early Years Educator and teaching in South Africa, South Korea and Switzerland, I am a true believer in lifelong learning and aim to continuously improve my skills and knowledge. Beyond my role as a English Kindergarten and Primary teacher, I am an avid traveler, with a keen interest in the world, cultures and languages. In my free time, I love playing tennis with my husband, going hiking, playing the piano and guitar, and reading -my personal passion. I look forward to my work alongside you in guiding your children through their educational journey

    Julia König

    Specialist Swiss Kindergarten and German as Second Language teacher with broad experience of working in local schools in Canton Zurich. 15 years of experience since I qualified in Eastern Switzerland. I have previously worked as a head of school (Schulleitung) and have a Bachelors diploma in Education.  Mother of 2 children. I am enthusiastic about the Children First concept in working with parents and supporting families who are newly arrived.

    Rebekka O’Brien

    Originally from the South East of England, I met my husband 31 years ago and we have a 24 year old son, Thomas. We have lived together in Zurich as a family since 2013 and really enjoy making the most of our life experience in Switzerland. I have been working with children since 2008 with a CACHE Level 3 Diploma based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. I enjoy travelling, watching films, listening to a range of music and genealogy.

    Balbir Bhangal

    I live in the Seefeld area of Zürich and I have taught kindergarten classes in bilingual schools around the lake of Zürich for the last 30 years. Prior to living and working in Zürich I worked in different early years children’s centres in various boroughs of London. I have been offering forest programmes to kindergarten groups for the last 10 years and most recently with 2.5 to 5 year olds for children’s centres in Zürich. I am friendly, responsible and enjoy working with children to bring out their best qualities. I use a daily routine and a programme of activities which focuses on the needs of the children. This programme helps build a strong social and emotional foundation that positively impacts a child’s ability to learn new things.

    Children First is hiring!

    Interested in joining the team?