A typical day in kindergarten
Each kindergarten is a little different, but most days follow a familiar and safe routine.
- Opening hours are usually Mondays to Fridays, 7:00–16:30
- If your child is absent, or arriving later than is expected, please inform the kindergarten
- A child can spend 6–8 hours per day
- Daily routine may include:
- Breakfast and lunch
- Indoor and outdoor play (also in winter)
- Learning activities and group gatherings (“samling” or “samlingsstund”)
- Rest or nap time for young children
Drop-off and pickup
When you drop off your child in the morning, it is common to come inside together, help your child wash their hands, and say goodbye with a staff member. At pickup, parents usually come inside and help their child wash their hands before going home. This is part of the daily routine and helps prevent illness and infection.
At pickup, staff will often share a few words about your child’s day. It is helpful to make contact with staff both when you arrive and when you leave. In the afternoon, children are not always ready to go home right away, so it can be good to allow a little extra time. If someone else will pick up your child, please inform the kindergarten in advance.
Outdoor life and clothing
Children in Norwegian kindergartens spend a lot of time outdoors. They even sleep outside, with staff supervision, of course! This can be surprising for many parents, especially during winter and in all kinds of weather.
For this reason, it is important that parents pack the right clothing for their children. Staff are happy to guide you on what kind of clothing your child needs for different seasons, and they will make sure that your child is dressed properly to stay warm and safe. Much of the equipment can be bought second-hand.
You can read more about appropriate winter clothes for children here. The website also has information in many other languages, which you can check out here.
Clothing and equipment – what to bring
To help your child have a comfortable day in kindergarten, it is important to:
- Bring spare clothes, as children may get wet or dirty during the day
- Label all clothes and equipment with your child’s name
- If your child uses diapers, please provide:
- Diapers (with tabs, not pull-up/up-and-go)
- Wet or dry wipes
- Diaper cream
- It is also recommended to have swimming diapers in the kindergarten, as children may use a splash pool
- The kindergarten provides towels and changing mats
- For nap time, parents provide:
- Stroller
- Stroller bag suited to the season
- Rain cover and mosquito net
- The stroller can stay at the kindergarten or be brought daily
Food and meals
Mealtimes are an important part of the day. Some kindergartens provide meals, while others ask parents to bring food from home. Children eat together, and staff help the children when needed. You will get information from your kindergarten about what applies regarding mealtimes. Please inform the kindergarten if your child needs special considerations related to food such as allergies or religious restrictions, or if there is any special medication that they need.