Municipal daycare centre "Die kleinen Strolche" goes on a "treasure hunt"

Programme empowers children and involves parents

The municipal daycare centre "Die kleinen Strolche" has recently embarked on a very special treasure hunt. However, it is not gold coins or precious stones that are being sought here, but the children's inner strengths and abilities.

16 September 2025

Focus on mental well-being

Since 19 August, the facility has been an officially certified provider of the "Treasure Hunt" prevention programme. The programme focuses on the mental well-being of children aged 0 to 6 years. Trained educators work together with parents to develop strategies to make the children's individual inclinations and talents visible. "We don't want to judge the children according to their deficits, but rather emphasise their strengths and prepare them for the challenges of everyday life," explains one of the specialists.

In spring 2026, the daycare centre will start with the first meetings for parents. This "journey of discovery" will cover topics such as children's developmental tasks, perception and empathy, the culture of conflict and family rituals. The events are interactive: parents can talk to each other, contribute their own experiences and actively help shape the programme.

Nationwide project

The project has also met with great interest elsewhere. Six training courses have already been held across the state for professionals from daycare centres and family centres - including in the districts of Viersen, Warendorf, Mettmann as well as in Bielefeld, Bochum and Hagen. The programme is organised by the State Office for Health and Safety at Work (LfGA NRW). A further round is planned until the end of 2025 before the pilot period officially ends. Particular attention will be paid to facilities in neighbourhoods where families live under more difficult social conditions.

The "Die kleinen Strolche" daycare centre is delighted to be part of this nationwide project with its "treasure hunt" - and to work with parents to bring out the treasures in every child.

The parent programme "Schatzsuche" is funded by the LfGA NRW - formerly "Landeszentrum Gesundheit NRW" - and the statutory health insurance funds/associations in North Rhine-Westphalia, initially from 2023 to 2025. It was developed by the Hamburgische Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Gesundheitsförderung e. V. (HAG).