Early Years Education at RIS Swiss Section

Early Years - Learning Begins with Curiosity

Learning Begins with Curiosity 

We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, curious, and empowered. Guided by Swiss and German educational values, our approach for children aged 2 to 6 focuses on independence, intrinsic motivation, and joyful learning. In mixed-age groups, children learn naturally from and with one another, developing social skills, empathy, and confidence—without pressure or comparison. 

Through play, exploration, workshops, and everyday life experiences, children are encouraged to follow their interests, make choices, and grow at their own pace. Multilingual exposure, democratic participation, and a safe, supportive environment prepare them not just for school, but for life. Our mission is to nurture confident, curious, and compassionate learners who discover the world with joy. 

Our Educational Approach for Children Aged 2 to 6 

Children are naturally curious. They want to explore, understand, experiment, and act independently. Our educational approach builds on this innate drive, guiding children not toward what to think, but toward how to learn. 

Our Values: Independence, Trust, and Intrinsic Motivation 

Guided by Swiss and German educational values, we place strong emphasis on fostering independence from an early age. Everyday skills are an essential part of learning. Children are encouraged to: 

Self-confidence grows when children experience: I can do this myself. 

Language develops most naturally when a child truly wants to communicate. That is why we believe in intrinsic motivation and follow each child’s natural curiosity. Our educators support this process with sensitivity, creativity, and attentiveness. The quality and attitude of our staff is our highest priority. 

A Living Learning Environment Full of Opportunities 

Children learn best when they feel safe and comfortable. We therefore create an environment where security, stimulation, and challenge are carefully balanced. Our mixed-age groups – with children aged 2 to 4 in Kindergarten (including pre-kindergarten) and 4 to 6 in Preschool – offer rich learning opportunities. 

Younger children learn by observing older peers, while older children take on responsibility and strengthen their social skills. Through this natural interaction, children develop empathy, conflict resolution skills, and a strong sense of community. 

Mixed-Age Groups – Learning Like in Real Life 

Development is not linear. Not all children walk, speak, or learn at the same time—and that is perfectly natural. In mixed-age groups: 

This structure reflects real-life social situations found in families, communities, and later in life. 

Learning Through Play, Exploration, and Joy 

Learning should be joyful. Curiosity is the driving force of child development, and our role is to awaken and nurture it. Our educational framework is based on the Swiss Curriculum ‘Lehrplan 21’, complemented by elements of the German educational framework and Kibesuisse (a Swiss national umbrella organization for childcare services, supporting quality standards, offering professional guidance, and advocating for the development of childcare in Switzerland) guidelines. 

Learning with us is:

Whether in language, mathematics, or creative expression, children develop essential skills by experimenting, designing, questioning—and by being allowed to make mistakes. 

Free play plays a central role. It fosters social and emotional development, decision-making, and initiative. Our educators observe carefully and support each child individually. 

Self-Directed Learning & Workshops 

We offer a variety of workshops, including:

Children are free to choose activities that genuinely interest them rather than following group pressure. This helps them discover who they are and what excites them, strengthening their sense of identity and motivation to learn. 

Diversity and Multilingualism as a Strength 

Our school community is culturally and linguistically diverse. The German language is integrated naturally into everyday activities through dialogue, stories, rhymes, and songs. At the same time, children are exposed to English and Thai (for Thai nationals) as part of their daily environment. 

We see multilingualism not only as a challenge, but also/foremost as an opportunity to foster openness, cultural awareness, and global competence from an early age. 

Our Key Learning Focus Areas

Development Over Age 

Age is less important than a child’s individual developmental stage. What a child can do today with support, they will be able to do independently tomorrow. We focus on each child’s strengths and next steps rather than fixed age expectations. 

Democracy & Participation 

We practice democratic education as part of everyday life. Children participate in decisions, share opinions, and vote together. In this way, democratic values are not taught theoretically but experienced naturally and playfully. 

Freedom Within a Safe Framework 

Children need freedom to move, explore, and act independently—within a safe and supportive framework. Clear structures and trusting relationships provide the security children need to engage confidently with the world around them. 

Children Need Children 

Children need other children: 

This is their world—beyond parents—where they develop social competence, resilience, and independence. 

Our Mission: Growing with Confidence and Joy 

Our goal is to create a joyful, inclusive learning community where children can develop their individuality while feeling a strong sense of belonging. We support them in finding their place in a diverse world—with confidence, curiosity, empathy, and trust in their own abilities. 

Our educational philosophy serves as our compass—guiding us in everyday interactions and in the long-term development of every child.