Basel's Leading Bilingual Kita and Early Years Centre
Early Years
Now accepting applications for ages 3 months to 4 years, with Basel-Stadt subsidy for city residents.
Shape your child's future
In Reception, children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS) (external site).
We place a strong emphasis on a holistic approach to learning, assessing children across both prime and specific areas of development.
This ensures a well-rounded understanding of each child’s progress and areas for further support.
Book a visit and let us show you how it works in practice.
Welcome From Our Head of Early Years
As Head of Early Years, I am proud to lead a dedicated team of professionals who create a genuine ‘home from home’ environment for our children.
We refer to our programme as Early Years, reflecting our commitment to providing care and education during these foundational years. Depending on where in the world you are from, you may know it as a daycare, Kita, nursery, or another term.
Our bilingual Kita programme provides more than just childcare – we nurture each child’s natural curiosity and potential in both English and German.
From our youngest babies to preschoolers preparing for primary school, every child in our care receives the individual attention and support they need to thrive.
I invite you to visit our Early Years centre and experience first-hand the warm, nurturing environment that makes ELABasel special.
Katherine Robinson
Head of Early Years
The ELABasel Early Years Experience
At ELABasel’s bilingual Kita, every child is cherished as one of our own.
In our historic Gartenstrasse building, very close to Basel SBB, we have created more than just an Early Years setting — we have built a warm, nurturing second home where children thrive in a natural German and English-speaking environment.
Our location is within walking distance or reachable by a very short tram ride from Altstadt Grossbasel, Gellert, Gundeli, Dreispitz, Bruderholz, Iselin, Gotthelf, Bachletten and many other inner city residential areas.
If you would like to visit our wonderful campus from the comfort of your home, now you can.
A True ‘Home Away From Home’ Experience
“For me, ELA was the best decision – one I would make over & over again.” – Carolina (ELABasel Early Years Parent)
“We really appreciate the warmth, professionalism and engagement from the teachers.” – Juan (ELABasel Early Years Parent)
“After his trial day my son was raving about ELA and could not wait to go back.” – Sharon (ELABasel Early Years and Primary Parent)
“Having a bilingual environment is useful and I would recommend ELA 100%.” – Marta (ELABasel Early Years Parent)
This is just some of the wonderful feedback we have received from our families.
At ELABasel, we believe in creating a sense of community for the parents and guardians and recreating a calm and homely atmosphere for the children. We offer:
- A warm, family-like atmosphere where every child is known and valued
- Long-serving, dedicated Kita staff who feel like an extended part of the family
- Consistent caregivers building deep, trusting relationships
- Daily communication ensures parents never miss a moment
- Community events that bring families together
Our Curriculum
The first five years are pivotal in your child’s life, setting the stage for their future well-being, happiness, development, and success in learning.
We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage, which sets the standard for how children from 3 months to five years old learn and develop.
Our curriculum is designed to build on what children already know and can do, giving them a strong foundation of knowledge and skills for future learning.
We provide activities that are suitable for each child’s age and stage of development across seven areas promoting three prime areas and four specific areas. This carefully considers each child’s readiness and interest and enables them to learn at their own pace.
Our Community
At ELABasel we understand the importance of a strong home-school partnership. We are committed to engaging with our families to deliver our mission of valuing and nurturing each individual child.
Together we form a caring, diverse and thriving community of 360 children and 90 staff from 35 different countries. Parents can get involved as volunteers, become class parent reps and attend regular curriculum information meetings.
All families are members of our unique not-for-profit verein which gives everyone a real sense of belonging and agency within our community.
Our Age-Appropriate Rooms
Our 11 rooms have been created to be dynamic environments that encourage children to be independent, promoting exploration, imaginative play and learning. We offer a natural and authentic setting that provides a wide range of resources, games, creative tools and materials that provide children with real-life experiences.
The spaces are laid out so that children can move freely, and resources are organised in a way that each child can access them independently.
Babies
3 - 18 months
- Dedicated and personalised care with a 1:3 adult to children ratio
- Cosy, ground-floor spaces that feel just like home
- Personalised routines matching your family’s preferences
- Separate sleeping areas with individual cots and beddings
Toddlers
19 - 36 months
- Dedicated and personalised care with a 1:5 adult to children ratio
- Four inspiring and engaging learning spaces
- Focus on confidence and discovery
Preschoolers
3 - 4 years
- Supportive care with a 1:5 adult to children ratio
- Gentle preparation for primary years
- Balance of structure and free play
Nutrition and Mealtimes
At ELABasel, we believe that healthy bodies fuel growing minds.
Our in-house chef prepares fresh, nutritious meals and snacks daily, offering seasonal menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients to delight every child. We cater for all dietary needs and support baby weaning and we prioritise safe, wholesome mealtimes.
With a no-nut policy, nutritionist-designed menus, and a focus on accommodating allergies and preferences, we ensure every bite is a step toward healthy development.
Our guarantee:
- Fresh, nutritious meals prepared daily by our in-house chef
- Family-style dining that promotes social skills
- Seasonal menus with local ingredients
- Morning and afternoon healthy snacks
- Special dietary requirements accommodated
- No-nut policy for safety
- Baby weaning support working alongside parents
- Careful attention to food allergies and preferences
- Menus designed by nutrition experts
Our International Community
At ELABasel, we celebrate diversity and inclusivity, creating a vibrant multicultural community of families from over 35 nations.
We are very fortunate to have a very supportive parent association Friends of ELA (FELA), who are very active in organising social and community events. These activities support the community feel and enable the creation of very special bonds between families.
Our welcoming environment fosters strong parent partnerships, ensuring open communication and collaboration in your child’s early learning journey.
Furthermore, our staff organise regular community and family events, bringing families together to build meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.
When you join us, you will become part of a family where cultural richness and shared experiences enhance every child’s growth and development
ELABasel Early Years Fees
ELABasel works with the Basel-Stadt subsidy scheme for city residents
We can now offer:
- Income-based subsidies available for eligible families
- Support with the subsidy application process
- Transparent fee structure
- Flexible attendance options (minimum 40%)
- Inclusive pricing covering all meals, care products, and activities
Important Fee Info
Once your application has been successful, the following fees and deposits are payable before your child’s first day of attendance at ELABasel.
Our fees include:
- All meals and healthy snacks
- Care essentials (nappies, care products etc)
- Regular outings and special activities
- Digital learning journal
- Family events and celebrations
ELABasel works with the Basel-Stadt Subsidy scheme for city residents
There is no registration fee or deposit required for Early Years families.
ELABasel is a registered not-for-profit association known as a verein. As a legal requirement, in order for a child to attend ELABasel at least one parent must be a member of the association. There is an annual administrative cost of CHF 75 per member. More than one parent may be a member, noting that each membership carries the annual membership cost.
ELABasel works with the Basel-Stadt Subsidy scheme for city residents
There is no registration fee or deposit required for Early Years families.
ELABasel is a registered not-for-profit association known as a verein. As a legal requirement, in order for a child to attend ELABasel at least one parent must be a member of the association.
There is an annual administrative cost of CHF 75 per member. More than one parent may be a member, noting that each membership carries the annual membership cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
- You can choose the schedule of days that best suits your family as long as the minimum attendance rate of 40% per week is achieved.
- Changes to the contracted schedule require a minimum of 1 calendar month’s notice.
- We work hard to accommodate every request, so you can always ask with less notice but we can’t guarantee it.
- Extra days are always subject to the availability of room and staff
- We can normally meet requests for additional options with one full calendar week’s notice.
- We work hard to accommodate every request, even last-minute ones! If there is availability we will happily meet your request.
- No. Children must be enrolled for a minimum of 40% each week.
- ELABasel Early Years works hard to build a learning community in which the children feel safe and can prosper.
- We do not offer a drop-in service that consists solely of occasional attendance.
Discounts and Employer Contributions
Family Discounts
Family discounts apply to families that are privately funding their own school fees at ELABasel.
Discounts are only on the contracted schedule which sets the base fee: they do not apply to extra sessions (extra standard days, extra extended days, or extending standard Days).
All ELABasel students in your household, whether in Early Years or Primary School, qualify for the discount: that is to say, the base fees for each child will be reduced by the discount rate.
Please note family discounts do not apply to households where any part of the fees is being invoiced directly to an employer.
| Family discounts for privately funded families | |
|---|---|
| Second child fees discount | 10% |
| Third child or any further child enrolled fees discount | 15% |
Employer Contributions
Some employers offer a contribution towards childcare fees.
It is the responsibility of the parent to inform ELABasel of any possible employer-sponsored tuition and fees. ELABasel always confirms the level of support with each employer on an individual basis.
No discounts are given to families with any portion of their fees invoiced directly to an employer or for families who also have a portion of their fees covered by Basel-Stadt.
Eligible families can receive income-based subsidies through the Basel-Stadt program. You can check the Basel-Stadt Department of Education website for more information and apply online here.
Our Kita operates from 06:30 to 18:30, Monday through Friday, 48 weeks per year.
Children naturally absorb languages in our immersive environment. Our experienced educators use age-appropriate techniques to support individual language development.
Our experienced team regularly welcomes children from diverse language backgrounds. We provide gentle, supportive integration using proven techniques for multilingual development.
Our in-house chef accommodates all dietary requirements, allergies, and cultural preferences while maintaining our strict no-nut policy.
We provide daily updates through our digital journal, regular parent meetings, and immediate communication for important matters.
All staff are first-aid trained, and we maintain strict security measures. Our facilities are regularly inspected and meet all Swiss childcare regulations.
We have clear health policies which are explained in detail in our Parent Manual and trained staff to ensure the wellbeing of all children. We maintain close communication with parents regarding any health concerns.