Deemed to be the foundation of all and life itself, education is the birthright of every individual. Starting from awareness, mannerism, creativity, intelligence, tolerance, humanity, and repulsion everything falls in the purview of education. Humans learn about these things at an early age, starting from preschools, schools, and colleges, along with their academic excellence the children are taught about life, exposed to real-life situations and experiences. The first few years of a child will decide how he or she turns out to be, hence it is important that kids avail the right education that helps them grow into rightful individuals. Detske Integracni centrum a Materska Skola can be counted among few handpicked preschools which have grown its prominence and presence with its quality of being persistent in the quest for excellence in fostering young children.
Tailoring a Unique Educational Journey
Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving the community and world better than you found it. Propelling the same thought, the Detske Integracni centrum a Materska Skola aims to educate children and promote a life long passion for learning. Its approach also gives its students both the academic and socio-emotional skills that they will need to thrive in life. Coupled with The Children’s Integration Center, here, students are at the center of the learning process, wherein they grow to become compassionate, cooperative, tolerant, confident, and humanistic.
Students need a caring and healthy environment for their mental and physical growth. This belief has been central to the philosophy of Detske Integracni centrum a Materska Skola since 1998. Addressing this need of children, The Integration Center and kindergarten are complemented by a counseling center, called the Special Education Center. It provides a wide range of services including pedagogical and psychological care, speech therapy, counseling for teachers and parents, crisis intervention, etc. Aligned with its excellent curricula focused on the holistic development of students, this preschool also extends its aid to children with special needs, and children who are at the risk of psychological problems caused by difficult family situations like; divorce, an ill parent, etc. It also offers education and physiotherapy for children with speech issues, autism, diabetes, and allergies. The facility also has its own private physiotherapy center wherein, several activities, such as exercises based on neurophysiology, warm water exercises, stability balls, and sauna are being held.
One of its kind and also being one of the oldest preschools in the country, this kindergarten attracts students and professionals from the Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, Charles University. It welcomes students to its grounds to interact and communicate with the tiny tots as part of their practical training.
The Leading Personas
Having redefined every sphere of preschool education, this kindergarten attributes its success to Sevila Kačenová, Founder and Director of Detske Integracni centrum a Materska Skola. She also acts as the Chairman of the Association for Active Relaxation and Integration of the Disabled, Sdružení pro aktivní odpočinek an integraci postižených. In her role, she uses economic education in combination with pedagogical-psychological education. In addition, she also has her own psychotherapeutic practice focused on family counseling and dealing with traumas.
The ‘talk of fame’ will be incomplete if not mentioned about, Blanka Sárazová, Deputy for Education. A graduate from the Faculty of Education of Charles University, Ms. Blanka works at the Children’s Integration Center. She is responsible for all pedagogical aspects of its operation, and also acts as an educational consultant.
Opening the History’s Curtain
Though the foundation stone for Detske Integracni centrum a Materska Skola was laid in 1998, the authorities have been dealing with the inclusion of Children Integration Center since 1994. Being one of the first kindergartens in the Czech Republic to implement this center, this kindergarten has already claimed the mantle of uniqueness. Standing out in the crowd, the preschool has been a participant of the international project “A School for all”, from 1996–2000.
Adopting unconventional methods and techniques has set this preschool apart from others. It is among one of the first kindergartens to start using canine-assisted therapy. This kindergarten has designed its functionality in such a way that it works intensively with parents and supports them in their parenting. Students being the center of attention, the kindergarten ensures that any new addition to its program or curricula must benefit students and propel their holistic growth.
A Take on Future
The forward journey of this kindergarten includes offering quality service. While it has already excelled in the breadth of its services, it is further striving to better its services. “We constantly strive to improve the overall environment our institution provides, including the large garden. Recently, we finished the construction of two winter gardens”, asserts Sevila Kačenová.
