Integration of refugee children in daycare centers ‣ Cerevium

How can we give refugee children the best start in their new home country? This article highlights the importance of early childhood education for integration, highlights the challenges and presents successful strategies for daycare centers and parents.

Introduction

The issue of refugee integration has taken center stage in Europe’s and especially Germany’s recent history, especially since the marked increase in asylum seekers in 2015. While the initial debates often revolved around the immediate provision and accommodation of the newcomers, the focus has shifted over time: It is now about sustainable integration, and educational institutions play a key role here.

The current situation in Germany is characterized by a dual challenge: on the one hand, the country has experienced an unprecedented influx of refugees, and on the other hand, educational institutions are faced with the task of effectively integrating these children, both in terms of education and social aspects. Daycare centers (Kitas) are of particular importance here, as they often represent the first point of contact with the country’s education system.

German Kitas have always been places of education, upbringing and care. They are geared towards nurturing children in their overall development and preparing them for life in society. However, the influx of refugee children has created new challenges and opportunities. These children often bring with them traumas, cultural differences and language barriers that are not always taken into account in conventional educational approaches. Daycare centers are therefore faced with the task of diversifying and individualizing their approaches to meet the needs of these children.

When we speak of “integration,” it is necessary to define this concept in relation to similar terms. In the context of this article, integration refers to the process by which refugee children – or, more generally, individuals who are new to a society – acquire the necessary skills, knowledge, and values to function effectively and harmoniously in that society. This is in contrast to “assimilation”, in which individuals are expected to give up their original culture and fully adopt the culture of the majority. Another concept is “inclusion”, which emphasizes that all members of a society, regardless of their individual differences, have the right to fully and equally participate in all aspects of that society.

In the following sections of this article, we will examine how exactly the integration of refugee children into German daycare centers can succeed, what challenges arise in the process, and which solutions have already been successfully implemented. The goal is to develop a thorough understanding of the relevance and practicality of integration in this early educational context.

Foundations

The integration of refugee children is not only a social necessity, but also a moral and educational one. To better understand the process of integration, it is essential to gain a deep insight into the basics and context of integration in educational institutions, especially in daycare centers.

Definition: What is integration?

Integration can be understood as a process of mutual adaptation between migrants and the host society. This process emphasizes living together, participating in social, cultural and economic life, and mutual recognition of values and norms. In the educational context, integration is often understood as the inclusion of children with a migrant background in regular educational institutions, where they learn and play together with children without a migrant background.

The importance of educational institutions in the integration process

Educational institutions, especially preschools, are often the first places where refugee children come into contact with the culture, language and values of the host country. Here they learn not only academic content, but also social skills and intercultural competencies. Preschools are thus key institutions for integration, as they lay the foundation for social, cultural and linguistic integration.

Demarcations and comparisons with other areas

Integration in educational institutions differs in many respects from integration in other areas of society:

Labor market: While integration in the labor market is often determined by formal qualifications, work skills and language skills, the focus in daycare centers is on social learning, cultural awareness and emotional development.
Social communities: In communities or associations, integration can be based on common interests or activities. In daycare centers, however, the aim is to create a common learning environment in which children from different backgrounds can grow together.
Family: Within families, integration takes place at a deeper, emotional level and is often shaped by family ties and traditions. In daycare centers, on the other hand, integration is based on pedagogical principles and educational goals.

With regard to Germany, it can be seen that daycare centers play a special role in the integration process. The German daycare system places a high value on holistic education that encompasses not only cognitive but also social, emotional, and cultural aspects. Through targeted pedagogical approaches that promote diversity and inclusion, German daycare centers offer refugee children a valuable platform for successful integration.

The situation of refugee children

When we talk about the integration of refugee children in Kitas, it is essential to understand the special situation of these children. Their experiences, needs and challenges are often very different from those of their peers without a migration background.

Traumatic experiences and their effects

Many refugee children have experienced traumatic events on their journey to Germany. War, persecution, the loss of relatives or dangerous escape routes can leave deep scars on a child’s psyche. These traumas can manifest themselves in different behaviors:

Regression: Some children may suddenly exhibit behaviors typical of younger age groups, such as thumb sucking or bedwetting.
Excessive anxiety: noises, strangers or unfamiliar situations can trigger anxiety attacks.
Aggressiveness: some children react to their traumas by behaving aggressively towards others.

For daycare centers, this means that educational specialists must be sensitive to such behavioral issues and, if necessary, seek therapeutic support.

Cultural background and values

Refugee children bring their own culture, traditions and values with them. This cultural imprint can come to light in various areas:

communication styles: in some cultures, direct eye contact can be perceived as impolite or disrespectful, while in others it is seen as a sign of attentiveness and honesty.
Physical proximity: The perception of proximity and distance can vary. While in some cultures, hugs or physical contact are normal, in others they may be perceived as inappropriate.
Educational ideas: Parents of refugee children may have different ideas about discipline, autonomy or the role of the child in the family.

For daycare centers, this means that they have to develop a culturally sensitive pedagogy that respects the different cultural backgrounds, but at the same time also imparts the values and norms of the host country.

Linguistic challenges

One of the biggest barriers to the integration of refugee children is often language. Many come to daycare without knowing German and have to find their way in what for them is a foreign language environment. This can lead to frustration, withdrawal or even behavioral problems. It is therefore of central importance that daycare centers offer targeted language support and create an atmosphere in which children are encouraged to speak the new language without fear of making mistakes.

The integration of refugee children in daycare centers is thus a complex task that requires a deep understanding of the special situation of these children. Only when the daycare center recognizes and takes into account their individual needs and challenges can successful integration be achieved.

The advantages of early integration

The integration of refugee children in German daycare centers is the focus of numerous pedagogical and socio-political debates. In this context, it is often emphasized that early integration in childhood lays the foundation for successful and long-lasting integration into society. The advantages of such early integration are complex and range from individual developmental aspects to social implications.

Language development: Language is the key tool for communication and thus for integration. Kitas offer refugee children a daily language environment in which they learn German in a natural and playful way. Through daily interaction with their peers and educators, children can continuously develop their language skills, which makes their integration into school and society much easier.

Social skills: In daycare centers, children learn how to function in groups, resolve conflicts, and make friends. For refugee children, this can be a valuable opportunity to gain positive social experiences in their new home and build trust in their environment.

Cultural orientation: Early integration in daycare centers helps children understand and adopt the cultural norms, values, and behaviors of their new environment. This includes everyday things such as food, festivals or manners, but also more profound cultural principles and values.

Emotional stability: Daycare centers offer a regulated daily routine that provides security and structure. This can be invaluable, especially for children who have experienced trauma and insecurity. In a supportive environment, they can build self-confidence and strengthen their resilience.

Preparation for the school system: Early integration into daycare also prepares refugee children for the German school system. They become accustomed to the structures and expectations of the education system and can thus operate more successfully at school later on.

Promoting diversity and tolerance: The presence of refugee children in daycare centers also promotes understanding and appreciation of diversity among children without a migration background. In a mixed environment, all children learn to accept and appreciate differences.

Social cohesion: At the macroscopic level, the early integration of refugee children in daycare centers contributes to greater social cohesion. By integrating these children into the community from the outset, the basis for an inclusive, harmonious coexistence is laid.

Another crucial aspect in favor of the early integration of refugee children in daycare centers is the relief from the hardships of life in collective accommodation. Living in such accommodation confronts many children with stress, experiences of violence and other negative influences. These include cramped conditions, noise, a lack of privacy, a lack of child-friendly play and learning spaces, as well as possible tensions and conflicts among the residents. The tense atmosphere can lead to stress, anxiety and sleep disorders in children. In view of these additional burdens, the relevance of timely access to supportive environments such as daycare centers is emphasized even more clearly.

Overall, the early integration of refugee children into daycare centers offers an invaluable opportunity for the children themselves, their families and society as a whole. It is an investment in the future that has long-term positive effects on coexistence and social cohesion in Germany.

Disadvantages of early integration

The early integration of refugee children into German daycare centers is largely seen as positive and necessary. However, there are aspects and challenges that need to be considered critically. In addition to the direct effects on the children and the daycare centers themselves, there are also implications for German children and social and demographic considerations at the global and national level.

Lack of space in daycare centers: One of the most pressing problems in many German cities is the acute shortage of daycare places. With the influx of refugee families, this shortage can be further exacerbated. This means that both refugee and German children may have to wait longer for a place, making the care situation more difficult for many families.

Overburdening of staff: Despite their professionalism and commitment, day care staff can be burdened by the additional demands associated with the integration of refugee children. These include language barriers, cultural differences and the need to address trauma or special needs.

Demographic considerations: While the admission of refugees is often seen as a humanitarian act, there are also critical voices that point out the demographic impact on the countries of origin. If young people and families in particular leave their home countries, this can lead to a population decline and a shortage of workers in these countries, which can cause long-term economic and social problems.

Social changes in Germany: The integration of refugee children in daycare centers can also lead to social tensions. Differences in cultural norms, behavior or language barriers can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts between children or between parents and educators. Likewise, immigration has also affected the social fabric in Germany. An observable “shift to the right” in parts of the population, partly in reaction to the perceived excessive demands of immigration, is leading to a polarized society. This can make integration more difficult and lead to tensions in everyday life, including in educational institutions such as daycare centers.

Pressure to integrate: While early integration offers many advantages, it can also put pressure on refugee children. They are often expected to adapt quickly and adopt the new culture and language, which can lead to identity conflicts or a feeling of being caught between two cultures for some children.

Social tensions in daycare centers: Cultural and linguistic differences can lead to misunderstandings or conflicts between children, but also between parents and educators.

The integration of refugee children into German daycare centers is an essential but complex step in promoting their development and integration into society. This measure offers numerous advantages, including improved educational opportunities, language development and social skills. At the same time, day-care centers, society and politics face various challenges. These include social tensions, capacity bottlenecks and cultural differences. A deeper understanding of the underlying dynamics and needs is essential. Policymakers must create an appropriate framework and it is necessary to constantly adapt and act flexibly to ensure harmonious and successful integration. A broad social consensus and active political support are key components here.

Best practice

The integration of refugee children into German daycare centers is a sensitive undertaking that, when done right, can lead to successful inclusion and social harmony. Best practice approaches are based on insights and experiences that have proven to be particularly effective and valuable over time.

Individualized care

The importance of individualized care for refugee children in early childhood education cannot be overstated. Every child, refugee or not, brings a unique set of experiences, cultural background, needs, and abilities to the classroom. For refugee children, who have often experienced trauma and difficult journeys, these individual differences can be especially pronounced.

A generic “one-size-fits-all” approach to educational support is often insufficient. Instead, care must be adapted to the specific profile of each child. This can range from specialized learning programs to therapeutic interventions.

Specially trained educators and pedagogues play a key role here. They are able not only to recognize the individual needs of children, but also to provide the necessary resources to meet them. This applies particularly to children who have experienced trauma. Such children often require special attention and sensitivity to ensure that their emotional and physical needs are met in the daycare environment.

It is therefore imperative that daycare staff receive regular training and continuing education in trauma education and intercultural sensitivity. Solid collaboration with external specialists, such as psychologists or social workers, can provide additional support.

Child-centered individual care thus aims to create a safe and supportive environment in which every child, regardless of their background or experiences, can grow and thrive. The aim is to give every child the best possible start in their new life in Germany.

Language support

Language is one of the most fundamental tools for integration and social participation. For refugee children arriving in a new country, acquiring German is not only a question of communication, but also of cultural understanding and identity formation. As the first educational institution, the daycare center has a special responsibility here. Learning German quickly and effectively can significantly facilitate the integration process for refugee children. This not only affects their school career, but also their everyday interaction with peers and adults. The more confident a child feels in the language, the more self-confident they can be in participating in social life.

Daycare centers can and should play a key role here. Special language programs tailored to the needs of refugee children can help to develop a solid understanding of the language. These programs should include not only traditional learning units but also playful elements. For example, stories can be told, songs sung or short plays performed, in which the children actively participate and thus experience the language in a natural context.

It is important that language acquisition is not viewed in isolation. Rather, it should be integrated into the entire day-to-day routine of the daycare center so that children are constantly exposed to the German language. The inclusion of the mother tongue can also be beneficial here, as it strengthens children’s self-esteem and recognizes their multilingualism as a resource. In addition, daycare staff should be trained in language teaching methods and have materials that support language acquisition. Networking with external language experts or institutions can provide additional resources and expertise.

Language support in daycare centers goes far beyond mere learning of words and grammar. It is a holistic process that significantly influences the cultural, emotional and social development of refugee children.

Cultural exchange

In a globalized world, intercultural exchange is becoming more and more important. In this respect, daycare centers can become pioneers of a culturally diverse and open society. Especially for children, early immersion in other cultures is an opportunity to break down prejudices and develop a cosmopolitan perspective.

For German children, contact with refugee children offers an opportunity to see the world from a different perspective and to expand their knowledge of different cultures, traditions and ways of life. Refugee children, in turn, benefit from insights into German culture, which facilitates their integration process and helps them to feel part of the community.

Organizing cultural events in daycare centers can promote this togetherness. Whether it’s cooking dishes from different countries together, celebrating international festivals or introducing music and dance from different cultures, such activities create spaces for celebrating differences and discovering similarities.

Another aspect is the involvement of parents. They can act as ambassadors for their culture and, for example, tell stories from their homeland, introduce traditional games or show their typical clothing. This not only strengthens the bond between parents and daycare centers, but also promotes understanding and appreciation of different cultures among children. In addition, daycare center staff can be prepared to moderate cultural exchange and to solve any conflicts that may arise constructively through targeted training in intercultural education.

A lively cultural exchange helps to make day-care centers places where diversity is seen as enriching and where tolerance, respect and curiosity are encouraged. It is a process that benefits both children and society as a whole, ensuring peaceful and respectful coexistence.

Parent integration

Parents play a central role in the lives of their children and thus also in the integration process. The experiences and attitudes that children encounter in their family environment have a significant impact on their development and their view of the world. It is therefore crucial to involve the parents of refugee children in the educational work of the daycare center.

Regular parent-teacher evenings provide an ideal platform for informing families about the day-to-day running of the daycare center, its educational goals and special projects. But beyond that, they also enable a direct exchange between parents and educators. This is where concerns, wishes and suggestions can be addressed and joint solutions developed. Consultations can be particularly valuable in addressing the specific challenges that refugee families often face. Topics can include language support, dealing with trauma or finding one’s way around the German education system. Specially trained staff or external experts can provide valuable support here.

Joint activities such as festivals, excursions or workshops also strengthen the sense of community and create space for informal encounters. They can build bridges between families of different origins and thus promote mutual understanding and acceptance. Furthermore, the active involvement of parents in the daycare center, for example through parent initiatives, helping hands or the co-design of projects, can strengthen the responsibility and commitment of parents. They feel like an important part of the community and can contribute their skills and resources.

The successful integration of refugee families therefore requires not only the inclusion of children, but also the active participation and support of their parents. Only when all stakeholders – children, parents and educational professionals – work hand in hand can a sustainable integration process be achieved that puts the well-being of children at the center and enables them to develop positively in their new home.

Further education and training

The quality of the care and support provided to children in daycare centers depends largely on the skills and knowledge of the educational staff. Special knowledge and skills are required when it comes to caring for refugee children. Consistent further education and training of daycare staff is therefore a crucial building block for successful integration.

Intercultural competence: In a multicultural society, understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity is essential. Through targeted training in intercultural competence, educators learn to recognize, respect and integrate cultural differences into the day-to-day work of the daycare center. This helps to avoid misunderstandings, promotes mutual understanding and creates an inclusive learning environment in which all children feel valued and accepted.

Trauma education: Many refugee children have experienced traumatic and stressful events. A sound knowledge of trauma education enables educational staff to provide targeted support to these children and offer them a safe and stabilizing environment. It also helps to recognize signs of trauma and initiate appropriate support measures, whether through internal interventions or by referring children to external specialists.

Multilingualism: Language is the key to integration. However, the focus here is not only on learning the German language. The multilingualism of refugee children should be seen as a resource. Further training in this area enables staff to optimally support the linguistic development of children, to see multilingualism as an opportunity and to use it as an enrichment in their day-to-day work at the daycare center.

In addition to this specific training content, exchange with other institutions and experts should also be encouraged. Network meetings, specialist conferences or supervisions offer valuable opportunities to exchange experiences, learn about new approaches and find out about current research results. In conclusion, it can be said that continuous further education and training not only expands the specialist knowledge of staff, but also strengthens their motivation and their confidence in dealing with specific challenges. They are therefore an indispensable part of high-quality and integrative daycare work.

Cooperation with external (specialist) agencies

The integration of refugee children in daycare centers not only presents special challenges for the educational staff, but often for the entire institution. To meet these challenges holistically, it is often not enough to work within the confines of the daycare center. Networking and cooperation with external agencies and specialist services is therefore essential.

Psychological counseling services: Refugee children may have traumatic experiences and psychological stress due to their flight experiences. Cooperation with psychological counseling services enables early diagnosis and intervention in the event of abnormalities. These experts can provide valuable support, both in direct work with the child and in advising the daycare team and parents.

Social services: These institutions offer a variety of services that can be of great importance to refugee families – from language courses and integration programs to legal support. Close cooperation with social services enables the daycare center to inform families about existing offers and, if necessary, to refer them to the right places.

Medical facilities: Providing healthcare for refugee children can be complex due to missing documentation, language barriers or cultural differences. Networking with pediatricians, therapists and other medical facilities ensures that health problems are detected and treated early.

Cultural and educational institutions: Libraries, museums and music schools can be valuable resources for the education and integration of refugee children. They offer opportunities for cultural education, language development and leisure activities.

Exchange with other educational institutions: The transition from daycare to primary school is an important step. Close exchange with primary schools, other daycare centers or educational institutions can help to make this transition as smooth as possible for refugee children.

A functioning network of external partnerships not only offers direct support for specific issues, but also expands the perspectives and opportunities of the daycare center. It creates synergies, promotes the exchange of expertise and experience, and ensures that refugee children and their families receive comprehensive and coordinated support.

Adapting local conditions

Integrating refugee children into ECEC centers is not only an educational challenge, but also an organizational one. Adjusting the framework plays a central role in creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment that meets the specific needs of all children.

Spatial adjustments

Multicultural corners: Special areas dedicated to different cultures can be set up in the ECEC center. Here, children can discover books, games and other learning materials that introduce them to the diversity of the world.
Retreat rooms: Some children, especially those with traumatic experiences, may need a quiet place from time to time. These retreat rooms should be designed to provide children with a safe place to rest and relax.
Language labs: Rooms or corners specially equipped for language learning can make a big difference. With the help of audio and video materials, games and interactive whiteboards, children can develop their language skills in a fun way.

Adapting programs

Flexibility in the daily routine: A structured daily routine is important, but flexibility is equally crucial to meet the individual needs of children. This may mean that some activities are carried out in smaller groups or that certain rest periods are taken.
Cultural inclusion: celebrations and events can be designed to take into account different cultural backgrounds. This may include celebrating festivals from different cultures or introducing multicultural songs and games.
Participation: children should be actively involved in planning and shaping the day-to-day running of the daycare center. This not only boosts their self-esteem, but also gives them a sense of being heard and understood.

Adapting the framework requires both careful planning and a willingness to be flexible and develop further. By designing the premises and programs in a targeted way, a daycare center environment can be created in which every child – regardless of their background – has the opportunity to develop and flourish.

Summary of best practices

The successful integration of refugee children in German daycare centers requires both educational and organizational measures. These include adapting the physical environment, such as setting up multicultural corners to promote cultural diversity, quiet rooms for traumatized children, and language labs that use various media to deepen children’s language skills. A flexible daily routine that is tailored to the individual needs of the children is just as important as taking into account different cultural backgrounds during events and actively involving the children in the day-to-day life of the daycare center. The aim is to create an environment in which every child, regardless of their background, receives optimal development opportunities through careful planning and continuous development.

Studies on the integration of refugee children

Numerous studies have since been conducted on the various aspects of this integration. One of the fundamental studies was conducted by the German Youth Institute (DJI). In various projects, the DJI has examined the everyday life of refugee children in daycare centers and offers practical guidance for professionals. This shows how important a practical approach is to understanding the actual needs and challenges in daily work.

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has addressed the educational participation of refugee children in its brief analysis. Among other things, it was found that despite the right to early childhood education, access to daycare for refugee children is not always guaranteed. This often depends on local conditions, such as the availability of daycare places.

Researchers at the University of Potsdam have taken a scientific approach to the educational integration of refugee children. They have focused primarily on methodological issues of integration and language acquisition.

The Bertelsmann Foundation has found that attending daycare plays a key role in the integration of refugee children. Children who attend daycare learn German faster and have better educational opportunities later on at school.

In addition to these major studies, there are numerous smaller case studies and reports from NGOs that shed light on the everyday life of refugee children in daycare from different angles. They clearly show that integration is a community task that requires the commitment and cooperation of educators, parents, politicians and society as a whole.

Overall, these studies emphasize the enormous importance of early education for the successful integration of refugee children into German society. It is clear that investing in this area benefits not only the children themselves, but society as a whole.

List of known studies

DJIK (Deutsches Jugendinstitut): The German Youth Institute has conducted various studies and projects dealing with the integration of refugee children in educational institutions. They offer a wealth of resources, including special handouts for educational professionals.
BAMF-Kurzanalyse: The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has published brief analyses that address, among other things, the educational participation of refugee children.
University studies: Some universities in Germany have also addressed the issue. For example, researchers at the University of Potsdam conducted a study on the educational integration of refugee children.
Bertelsmann Foundation: This foundation has also published studies on the integration of refugee children into the German education system. They offer both quantitative data and qualitative observations.
Education report: The national education report, which appears regularly, often contains sections or chapters that deal specifically with the integration of refugee children.
Observations by NGOs: Non-governmental organizations such as Save the Children or the German Children’s Aid have published reports and observations on the situation of refugee children in Germany, including their integration in educational institutions.

Practical recommendations for daycare centers

For daycare centers, I would now like to share some very practical offers and measures that can be applied in everyday educational work:

Intercultural story time:

Read stories from different cultures to the children. This promotes an understanding of diversity and teaches children that every culture has its own valuable contributions and stories. Refugee children can also share their own stories or the stories of their home countries if they wish.

The Journey of Ibn Battuta: Tell the story of the famous Moroccan traveler, Ibn Battuta, who traveled most of the known world in the 14th century. This will give children insights into Islamic culture, history and geography.
Anansi the Spider: Anansi is a well-known character in West African folk tales. These stories, in which Anansi often appears as a clever protagonist, can be used to introduce children to African traditions and values.
The Story of Mulan: Before the Disney movie, there was the Chinese legend of Mulan, a young woman who disguised herself as a man to serve in the army. This story offers insights into topics such as gender roles and honor in Chinese culture.
Story Circle: Set aside a time once a week for refugee children to share stories or anecdotes from their home country, if they feel comfortable doing so. This can be done orally or through drawings.
The Girl with a Pearl Earring: Tell the story behind the famous painting by Johannes Vermeer to introduce children to Dutch culture and art history.
Tales of the Native Americans: Share legends and stories of the Native Americans to introduce children to their culture, spirituality and respect for nature.
Fairytales from One Thousand and One Nights: This collection of Middle Eastern stories includes classics such as “Aladdin and the Magic Lamp” and “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves,” which transport children to a world of sultans, genies, and magical treasures.
Global story book: Create a story book in which each child, or their parents, contributes a short story or anecdote from their home country. This book can then be read regularly in the daycare center.

Reading and sharing these stories gives children a valuable insight into the diversity of world cultures. It promotes empathy, curiosity and a better understanding of the different cultures from which their fellow students come.

Music and dance workshops

Music is a universal language. Organize workshops introducing traditional music and dances from the countries of origin of the refugee children. This can be an opportunity for all children to learn new rhythms and express themselves through movement.

Djembe drumming workshop: Children can learn how to play the African djembe drum and get to know traditional rhythms from West Africa.
Flamenco workshop: A flamenco dancer could come to the daycare center and teach the children the basic steps of this Spanish dance, accompanied by traditional flamenco music.
Bollywood dance class: Children can immerse themselves in the colorful world of Indian Bollywood dance, learning how to dance to iconic Bollywood songs.
Dabke workshop: Dabke is a traditional folk dance from the Middle East. A workshop can offer children the opportunity to immerse themselves in Middle Eastern culture and dance together in a line.
Sirtaki dance from Greece: Children can learn to dance the traditional Greek Sirtaki dance, often also known from the film “Zorbas the Greek”.
Karaoke session with international children’s songs: Children can sing traditional songs from different countries. This could include songs from Germany, Syria, Afghanistan, Eritrea and other countries, depending on where the refugee children come from.
Samba workshop: With the help of traditional Brazilian instruments such as the caixa, surdo and agogô, children can experience the energetic rhythms of samba.
Balinese Kecak dance: Children could learn about the traditional “monkey dance” from Bali, which is characterized by rhythmic singing and movement.
Didgeridoo workshop: An introductory course in playing the Australian didgeridoo could give children an insight into Aboriginal culture.
Russian folk songs and dances: Children could learn about some of Russia’s most famous songs and dances using traditional Russian instruments such as the balalaika.

These music and dance workshops not only allow children to get to know different cultures in a fun way, but also to appreciate the diversity and uniqueness of each one. Music and dance provide a wonderful platform for breaking down barriers and fostering a sense of community.

Cooking together

is not only educational, but also a great way to foster community and collaboration. Let the refugee children present a typical dish from their home country and help them prepare it together with the other children.

Syrian falafel: Children can learn how to prepare these delicious chickpea balls from the Middle East, accompanied by a fresh yoghurt dip or tahini.

Afghan Kabuli Pulao: This traditional rice dish with lamb, raisins and carrots can be presented and prepared by Afghan children.
Eritrean Injera: Injera is a sourdough flatbread traditionally eaten with various stews and salads. Children can experience how the dough is made and baked on a hot plate.
Mexican quesadillas: A simple and child-friendly recipe, tortillas are filled with cheese and fried until crisp. They can be accompanied by a simple guacamole.
Vietnamese summer rolls: Children can learn how to roll rice paper and fill it with a variety of fresh ingredients such as shrimp, herbs, noodles and vegetables. A tasty peanut dip rounds it off.
Italian pizza: Even though pizza is familiar to many, it is always a pleasure for children to knead their own dough and top their pizza with their favorite ingredients.
Somalian sambusa: These pastries are similar to samosas from India and can be filled with meat, vegetables or lentils.
German potato soup: As a counterpart to the international dishes, German children can also present and prepare a traditional German dish.
Turkish manti: These small dumplings filled with minced meat are steamed and then served with yoghurt and spices.
Iranian rice with barberries (Zereshk Polo): A delicious rice cooked with sour barberries and often served with chicken.

By giving children the opportunity to prepare and taste dishes from different cultures, they not only get to know new flavors, but also learn the importance of community and sharing. Cooking together also provides an opportunity to talk about the stories and traditions associated with each dish, thus promoting intercultural understanding.

4. Building language bridges: Playful language learning opportunities can help break down barriers. A “word of the day” from different languages or simple songs in different languages can spark children’s curiosity and encourage them to learn more.

Word of the day: Every day, a new word from a different language is introduced. For example, Monday might be a word in Spanish, Tuesday a word in Chinese, Wednesday a word in Arabic, and so on. This word is pronounced together, its meaning explained and perhaps even used in a sentence.
Multilingual story time: Once a week, a story is read aloud in a different language. While reading, important words or phrases are explained. Children could also draw pictures related to the story, which can support understanding.
Songs in different languages: songs from different cultures and languages are learned and sung together. For example, you could start with simple songs like “Frère Jacques” (French) or “Los pollitos dicen” (Spanish).
Language memory games: pairs of cards are created, with one card showing a word in the original language and the other card showing the translation in the target language. The children then try to find the matching pairs.
Role-playing games: Children can act out scenarios from different cultures, trying to use some words or phrases in the appropriate language.
International cooking: Once a week, you could cook a dish from a different country together. This way, children learn the names of the ingredients in the respective language.

Using a variety of such playful methods will spark children’s interest in different languages, laying the groundwork for further learning.

5. World Art: Organize art workshops where children can learn about and recreate artwork or craftsmanship from different cultures. This can also be an opportunity for refugee children to share their own traditional art forms.

6. Buddy system: A buddy system can help refugee children find their way around the daycare center more quickly. A local child can help a refugee child settle in, learn the language and feel comfortable in their new environment.

7. Parent exchange: Organize regular meetings for parents to share their cultures, parenting methods and experiences. This can also be a platform for asking questions and getting support regarding integration and education.

8. Trips and excursions: Organize trips to places that are relevant to different cultures – for example, museums, cultural festivals or historical sites. This broadens the horizons of all children and also provides a practical learning experience.

These offers can not only help to integrate refugee children, but also promote the understanding and acceptance of all children in the daycare center towards different cultures and ways of life. It creates an environment of mutual respect and acceptance that is invaluable for the growth and development of all children.

Summary and outlook

Recent years have seen an increase in the number of refugees in Europe and particularly in Germany. Many of these refugees are families with young children seeking safety and a better future. For these children, access to education and integration is a crucial factor for a successful future in their new home country. The early years are crucial for a child’s cognitive, emotional and social development. That is why the early integration of refugee children into German daycare centers is so important. Here they can learn the language, make friends and adapt to the culture and society.

Many of the refugee children come from traumatic situations. This may include war, loss or dangerous escape routes. In daycare centers, educational professionals must therefore not only overcome cultural and linguistic hurdles, but also address the special emotional needs of these children. The integration of refugee children in daycare centers requires a clear political strategy. This includes providing sufficient resources, training educators in how to deal with traumatized children, and implementing an inclusive education policy. Furthermore, it must be ensured that refugee children have the same access to education as all other children.

The integration of refugee children can result in short-term financial burdens. However, in the long term, it is an investment in the future. Well-integrated children can later make a valuable contribution to the labor market and society as adults. Refugee children come from a variety of countries, each with its own culture, language and history. This requires intercultural competence on the part of the daycare centers. It is important to understand and respect the children’s cultural backgrounds while also teaching common values and norms. Germany is faced with the task of designing an inclusive, respectful and effective integration policy. Kitas play a central role in this. With the right resources, training and strategies, they can become a place where refugee children not only acquire language skills and education, but also feel safe, valued and integrated.

The failure of the early integration of refugee children in German daycare centers carries significant risks. One of the main problems is social exclusion. If these children do not integrate successfully, they may feel marginalized, which in some cases can lead to the formation of parallel societies and even ghettos in urban areas. This segregation can have significant economic impacts. Children who do not integrate in daycare centers may experience difficulties in school and later in working life. This could reduce their chances in the labor market and lead them into a cycle of unemployment and poverty. In the long term, this could lead to higher social spending.

Furthermore, studies show that young people who feel excluded are more likely to engage in criminal activity, increasing the risk of youth crime. There is also a risk of radicalization, as extremist groups can exploit feelings of marginalization to recruit young people. At the societal level, these integration failures could lead to misunderstandings, prejudices and societal tensions. In the education sector, teachers and schools could be overwhelmed if they are confronted with a large number of students who need additional support.

Overall, it is in the best interest of everyone – both refugee children and German society as a whole – to invest in effective integration measures. Failure at this early stage could result in significant social, economic and political costs in the long term.

The early integration of refugee children in daycare centers is thus not only a moral duty, but also a necessity and an opportunity for Germany. Successful integration can help to strengthen social cohesion, promote cultural diversity and pave the way for a generation of citizens who will enrich Germany in many ways.

Integration of refugee children in daycare centers