History

The day care center KIKRI ETH Zentrum (KIKRI for short, for the German Kinderkrippe) was founded in 1972 by a group of ETH parents, in order to provide professional child care for ETH Zurich. KIKRI was one of the first child care centers in Zurich, and it played a pioneering role in establishing professional day care in Zurich.

KIKRI Association

KIKRI is governed by the Parents’ Association, of which all parents of KIKRI children are members. The Association elects a board, which makes the most important financial and governance decisions for KIKRI together with the KIKRI management. The strong cooperation between parents and the professional KIKRI staff, as well as the active exchange among parents, are a unique quality feature of KIKRI. The bylaws of the KIKRI Association can be found here.

Accreditations and Quality Standards

KIKRI has an operating license from the City of Zurich. KIKRI’s operating policies can be found here. KIKRI is also committed to the Quality standards of the Association of University-Affiliated Day Care Centers (kihz).

As an educational day care center, we support the development process of children actively and nurture it through an optimal learning environment. The employees regularly take part in continued education courses.

For a healthy development of children, movement and diet play a central role. KIKRI has been recognized with the “Purzelbaum-Kita” certificate, which is awarded by the School Health Services Department of the City of Zurich for physical activity and healthy diet programs.

KIKRI performs annual surveys to assess parent satisfaction and identify further needs. Its programs are adjusted in response to the survey. Results of the most recent survey can be found in the annual report.

KIKRI is a member of Kibesuisse (Child Care Association Switzerland) and it trains apprentices according to the Swiss vocational training standards.

Staff

KIKRI core educational staff consists of an experienced and licensed director, 8 licensed child care teachers, and 5 apprentices. It is augmented by interns, as well as conscientious objectors (“Zivis”) completing community services in lieu of the in Switzerland otherwise mandatory military service. Continued education of the staff guarantees high standards of child care.

KIKRI’s own chef prepares the meals for the children and staff. An accountant takes care of administrative matters.