Kindergarten "Mali istraživač" from January 13, 2022 continuously carries out educational work during the extended working hours of the kindergarten, from 16:30 to 18:30. In addition to regular educational work, 2 special programs are implemented during the extended working hours of the kindergarten - a drama program and a program for potentially gifted children.

Through the offer of the drama program, children acquire skills for creative expression, and the overall development of the child is encouraged. Dramatization and reading picture books develop children's imagination and rich vocabulary. Children actively participate in creating dramatic performances and making puppets. Carrying out activities aimed at recognizing gifted children is extremely important because it requires a different pedagogical approach. These children are curious, self-critical, have an increased desire to acquire new knowledge, and if they are not recognized as gifted, they are often recognized as children with behavioral difficulties who have difficulties in making social contacts. Activities of the program The program enables potentially gifted children to develop cognitive abilities, self-confidence, social skills and creativity.

Both programs are verified by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports, and are available to children who stay in the extended kindergarten.

The extended work of the kindergarten is one of the activities of the "Step forward" project. The total value of the project is HRK 2,935,003.01. The purpose of the project is to contribute to the harmonization of the business and family life of families with dependent members by providing the service of extended working hours of kindergartens from the existing 10 to 12 hours of educational work, avoiding duty groups, and through continuous educational work, in the period from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.: 30 hours.

The main expected results that will be achieved by the project are:

• Introduction of educational work in extended working hours for 217 children
• Strengthened capacities of all professionals and educators to work with children
• Improved material conditions for accommodation and stay of children
• Developed and created 5 new special programs that will further enrich educational work
   

Additional information about the project is available through the following contacts:

Kindergarten "Mali istraživač"

Ljiljana Vukšić, director, project manager

Mobile: 099 444 888 1

E-mail: ravnatelj@mali-istrazivac.hr