1. What is the minimum age for a child to join the children’s group?

The minimum age for admission is 18 months.

2. What are the criteria for admission to the children's group?

The admission criteria are available on this website.

3. What should a child be able to do before starting in the children’s group?

Before starting, it is helpful to encourage children to develop basic independence (such as getting dressed, putting on shoes, eating independently, using the potty, and separating from parents). However, these skills are not a requirement for admission.

4. What does the adaptation process in the children’s group look like?

During the adaptation period, you will be guided by  the Adaptation Plan of the the specific group and the recommendations of the caregivers. You can find more information about the adaptation process HERE. To support a smooth transition, we offer several activities, such as Open Days, an adaptation-focused webinar, and introductory visits to the group.

The adaptation webinar called “Adaptation window” is led by a psychologist and focuses on the adaptation process in the context of our children’s groups.

The introductory visit is designed for parents and their children. This time is dedicated to you and your child—you can explore the space, see the toys, meet the caregivers, and also take care of any necessary administrative steps.

The aim is for the child to become familiar with the environment and the caregivers in a safe and comfortable way before starting, so that the adaptation process is as natural and positive as possible.

5. Is it possible for an unvaccinated child to attend the children’s group?

Unfortunately, unvaccinated children will not be accepted into the children's group. The exception is children who have a permanent medical contraindication to vaccination confirmed by a pediatrician.

6. Do caregivers in children's groups have relevant qualifications?

Yes, all caregivers have completed the required education in accordance with applicable legislation and the Children’s Groups Act.

7. Is it possible for a child to attend the children’s group while a parent is on parental leave?

Yes, this is possible, but one of the parents must have an employment contract     with one of the institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences.

8. Can grandparents of children who work at the Czech Academy of Sciences also use the services of the children's group?

Only parents and legal guardians of the child may use the service.

9. Can children join during the school year?

If there is free capacity, a child may be admitted to the children's group during the year, always taking into account the group dynamics and the individual needs of the child. New admissions take place on the first day of the month following the submission of the application.

1. What are the rules for dropping off and picking up children from the children's group?

The children's group cloakrooms open at 7:45 a.m. Caregivers receive children from 8:00 to 8:30, and by that time the child should already be changed in the classroom. To ensure the smooth running of the day in the children's group, it is important to adhere to this time frame. Repeated late arrivals will be penalized in accordance with the Agreement with parents (chapter V, point 8).

Children attending morning sessions may leave by 12:30 p.m., and those attending full-day sessions may leave between 3:00 p.m. and 4:50 p.m.

2. Is it possible for a child to attend the group only on certain days of the week?

Yes, it is possible. However, it is necessary to specify the days of attendance in advance, which will be stated in the contract with the parent. Changes are only possible by agreement and depending on the group’s capacity. We recommend choosing consecutive days, as this supports smoother adaptation and greater continuity for the child.

3. Can a child return to the children's group during the day (e.g., after a doctor's appointment)?

Yes, this is possible. We kindly ask that you arrange this in advance with the caregiver.

4. If a child is absent, can they make up for the missed  day?

Yes, missed days can be made up. The method of making up for absences is described in detail in the internal regulations of the children's group. The system of making up for absences will be explained to you when your child joins the children's group. Please note that absence must be reported by 8:00 a.m. on the previous day.

5. Does a child have to sleep during afternoon rest?

Children are not required to sleep; however, they are expected to rest quietly on their bed and not disturb others. During this time, children listen to stories being read or told.

If a child is not comfortable resting in this way, it is also possible to pick them up after lunch.

6. Can a child who attends kindergarten during the regular school year also attend the children’s group during the summer holidays?

Yes, this option is available. However, it depends on the child's age, the current capacity of the children's group, the age composition of the children already enrolled, and staffing levels. We offer this service only on an occasional basis, under the same conditions and fees as for children who attend regularly.

We also offer holiday programmes in the form of day camps for two age groups: younger children (4–6 years) and older children (6–12 years).

1. Do caregivers follow a specific educational program when working with children?

Yes. Caregivers systematically prepare themselves for educational work with children.

Throughout the year, they work in line with the values and priorities set on the Education and Care Plan here.

They work with children in a targeted manner according to long-term plans, which they develop into shorter time periods taking into account the needs of the children and the conditions of the children's group.

They aim to create a daily program that is engaging for children while also supporting their development. Parents can follow their child’s day through the Twigsee app, where daily activities are described and accompanied by photos.

2. Do caregivers work with children individually?

Yes. From the moment a child joins the group, they monitor each child's behavior and needs so that they can get used to their new environment as quickly as possible. During this time, they try to work more closely with the parents. They also monitor the children's individual progress and record the results. Based on this, they create a report for the parents, which they discuss with them twice a year if the parents are interested. If a child shows signs of a developmental deficit, they try to provide developmental stimuli and work with the family.

1. How is children’s safety ensured during their time in the children’s group?

Safety and health protection are absolute priorities in the provision of childcare. To this end, AV ČR childcare groups have established rules for the proper supervision of children and ensuring their health and safety. Caregivers also familiarize children with the rules of safe behavior. Internal inspections are carried out regularly and continuously, and legal obligations are also fulfilled, e.g., in the areas of hygiene, fire prevention, and technical conditions.

2. What happens in the event of an accident or a sudden change in a child’s health?

In such situations, first aid is provided immediately and, if necessary, emergency medical services are called. Parents or legal guardians are informed without delay.

Caregivers receive regular first aid training and follow clearly defined procedures for handling emergency situations. All incidents are carefully documented and reviewed to help prevent similar situations in the future.

3. How are children protected from unauthorized persons?

Access to the children's group premises is controlled and only permitted to authorized persons. Children are only released to their legal guardians or persons designated by them in writing. Staff are instructed on how to proceed in the event of suspicious behavior by strangers and are authorized to contact the Czech Police in such cases. Emphasis is placed on prevention and protecting the privacy of children and their families.

1. Is it possible to bring your own food to the children's group?

Only children who are allergic and have provided prior confirmation from a doctor regarding their health condition may bring their own food to the children's group. In such cases, it is necessary to arrange a specific agreement with the children’s group. The relevant agreement is available at the group.

2. Is it possible to collect lunch for a child who is ill?

Yes, lunch can be collected on the first day of absence, provided that the caregiver has been informed in advance.  When excusing your child, please indicate in the Twigsee app that you are interested in collecting the lunch. For hygiene reasons, lunch can only be picked up in our boxes between 12:00 and 12:30.

3. Can a child have formula (e.g. Sunar) or other milk before the afternoon rest?

Unfortunately, this is not possible for hygienic reasons.

1. What clothing and footwear should a child have?

Children should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that they can easily put on themselves. Clothing must be labeled and chosen according to the season. A spare set of clothes should always be kept in the locker. For safety reasons, children must have slippers of the appropriate size – sturdy shoes with a fixed heel (e.g., slippers with a strap or velcro). Slippers are not suitable because they do not provide sufficient support and can be dangerous during games and movement around the classroom. We also recommend that children keep wellies and a raincoat in their locker all year round, which we will use when outside in rainy weather.

All this information and further details can be found in our Information Sheet: LIST OF RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT.

2. Can a child bring their own toy to the children’s group?

Children may only bring their favorite stuffed toy or bedtime storybook to the children's group.

3. Can a child have a pacifier with them in the group?

It is possible, but we try to ensure that the child does not need it. However, if they are used to falling asleep with it, parents can bring it with them.

4. Does a child in a children's group need to have their own diapers?

Yes, if the child uses diapers, the parents provide them themselves.

5. Is it possible to bring personal care products (e.g. diaper cream, sunscreen)?

Yes, you can bring your own personal care products, but they must be clearly labeled with the child's name and handed over directly to the caregiver. For safety reasons, no such items may be stored freely in the children's cloakroom or within reach of children. During the summer months, we ask parents to bring their children to the children's group already treated with sunscreen with a high UV filter. Additional reapplication during the day is then provided by caregivers as needed, using only approved products supplied by parents.