Hello there,

We will soon move to Düsseldorf or its vecinity. We have a son almost 2 years old that attends a nursery school here in Spain. We would like to keep him attending a bilingual kindergarden in Germany if possible. I read through the forum that most kindergardens in Germany will not take children under 3 and that the waiting lists are long.

If someone knows of any bilingual kindergardens in the Düsseldorf area that accepts children under the age of 3, could you please let me know the contact details of the school?

I know the International School in DUS accepts children after age 3, has anyone sent his/her kids to this school? If so, would you recommend it?

Thank you very much!

Kind regards,

Daniel

We are in a German-only Kindergarten, and happy with it, but our daughter was in a private "international" one before (not the IS, though) for a month that we did not like. It was MOBILE -- I do not recommend it, and it is not very bilingual anyhow (they have one in Meerbusch too that is supposed to be better).

The IS seems nice though.

Some German Kindergartens do take 2 year olds. A lot depends on whether there are enough spaces and the allocation policy generally favours single parents or couples where both parents are working. If you want a bilingual experience for your child you could also look for a mother/toddler group. If you really want your child to learn German avoid entering the international system at this age.

If your son is not yet 2, I wouldn't worry much if the kindergarten is biligual or not. Depending on what area you will be living in, there are some daycares (Kinderbetreuung)that take children under 3. Once he turns 3 or is close to turning 3, you could put him in a bilingual KG. And that gives you enough time to check some out. I also had my kid at the Mobile both in Dus and Meerbusch and HATED it! There was a German daycare with kids of different nationalites around the corner where I put my 2 yr old and we adored it. It was perfect for the 9 mos he was there. Now both of my children are at St Georges and we love it too (although it is a bit of a drive).

In Wittlaer Kidz 1st comes highly recommended. It is English speaking:

www.kidz-1st.blogspot.com