KITA Lessons for American Preschools

We are looking for students, administrators, educators, community leaders and practitioners to join this special opportunity investigating preschool programs with high populations of immigrant children in Germany in order to impact our Minnesota preschool programs. First time international travelers and those reflecting Minnesota’s increasingly diverse student population are encouraged to apply.

Accepted participants will join Deborah Jane from the Institute for Global Studies and Ann Besser retired faculty from North Hennepin Community College to delve into KITAs of Germany, with a focus on the preschool immigrant experience. KITA’s are German daycares for children under 6. Through site visits to German nursery schools and daycare centers, KITA Lessons for American Preschools will teach participants about the educational foundations of early childhood education, both the practical applications and best practices, but also about pitfalls and problems encountered by German initiatives. Moreover, the proposal aims at fostering professional relationships between the American participants and their German colleagues.

From visiting KITAs in Berlin, Brandenburg and Erfurt, participants will learn about the ways each state runs their KITAs while having time with colleagues to experience local cultural sites. Through this intensive study tour participants will continue on their journeys to better Minnesota preschools.

Accepted applicants will have their airfare, in-country travel, travel insurance and lodging covered for this experience.  Program participants will be responsible for meals and incidentals.

Application deadline January 31, 2024