Description of organisation

Haapsalu Kesklinna Lasteaiad is a public early childhood education institution in Haapsalu, Estonia. Since 1 September 2024, it operates as a merged kindergarten formed through the merger of three former kindergartens: Vikerkaare, Tareke and Pääsupesa. The institution works in three buildings and provides early childhood education and care for approximately 300 children aged 1.5–7. Our aim is to support each child’s holistic development in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment. We focus on the development of general skills (social skills, play skills, learning and cognitive skills, self-regulation) as well as domain-specific skills (Me and the Environment, Language and Speech, Mathematics, Arts, Music and Physical Education) in line with the Estonian National Curriculum. Our main activities include play-based and integrated learning, inclusive and child-centred pedagogy, outdoor learning, cooperation with families and community partners, and continuous professional development of staff. We emphasise children’s independence, active participation and well-being. We value multiculturalism and support Estonian as a second language. In one building, the “Hea Algus” (Step by Step) methodology is implemented. Our target groups are young children and their families.