ManzelmännchenChildminding in Heilbronn
Manzelmännchen is a small childminding service in Heilbronn, a few steps from the Pfühlpark. Children from their first to their third birthday are looked after here, in a small group and a calm, homely setting.
This page is a summary in English. The rest of the site, and the paperwork, are in German.
Maria Manzelmann-Pfender has been working as a childminder in Heilbronn for more than three years. She looks after four children at a time — five for short handover periods — from their first birthday up to their third.
The rooms are rented specifically for this purpose and have been inspected and approved by the Heilbronn youth welfare office. Care times are agreed individually. Settling in follows the Berlin model and takes three to six weeks, at the pace of the child.
One thing worth knowing in advance: a dog lives in Maria’s private household. If your child has an animal hair allergy, please mention it in your first enquiry.
Nine animals belong to this childminding service, and every child gets one of them — siblings each get their own.
ElephantNever forgets where the spade is.
SlothTakes a little longer in the morning. That is perfectly fine.
GiraffeFirst to spot the postman coming.KoalaLikes a cuddle best, then a nap.
CrocodileAround here you only bare your teeth when you laugh.
LionLoud when it has to be. Usually it does not.HippoLoves mud. And water. And mud in water.
TigerRuns first and thinks while running.
ZebraStripes are practical: you spot them straight away.Since four children are looked after at a time, five at most, several animals are always free. When a child moves on, the animal waits for the next one.
The animal pictures run through the whole setting. Anything that belongs to one particular child during their time here carries their animal, starting with their own peg in the cloakroom. It stands wherever a name tag would otherwise be, so every child can see at a glance what is theirs:
„That is my animal, that one is mine.“
The same animal appears again in the parent portal, the closed area where reports, photos and dates are shared as a small app. No child’s name appears there either — only the animal.
Costs & organisationThe current hourly rate is €8.20. On top of that there is a monthly flat fee for meals, craft materials and other running costs, which follows the rate of inflation. What parents actually pay depends on the hours agreed and on their income, because the local youth welfare office covers part of the cost.
Not the office itself, but the economic youth welfare scheme (wirtschaftliche Jugendhilfe) subsidises childcare costs depending on income, once the youth welfare office has approved the funding. As a rule about 75 % of the cost is covered. The scheme will tell you the exact amount for your situation.
We agree the care times together, to suit what you need. They are discussed in advance and set down in writing.
As a rule four children at a time. During a handover period — when one child is about to leave and a new one starts — the group may briefly grow to five.
The first contact is usually by email, sometimes by phone. I will normally call you back to arrange a first meeting. After that you will receive all the paperwork by email: the application for the youth welfare office and the private childcare contract. I will of course help you fill them in.
Settling in takes three to six weeks, depending on the child and the situation. It follows the Berlin model, which I supplement with my own experience and with what I observe. The pace always follows the needs of the child.
Daily life & careIn rooms rented specifically for this purpose. They are child-friendly, welcoming and homely, with plenty of space to play and romp about and plenty of toys. Safety comes first.
An ordinary day begins with arriving and having breakfast together. Play and crafts follow. In good weather we go out, for example to the nearby Pfühlpark. Lunch is around midday, then a nap. The children are collected in the early afternoon.
Meals are cooked fresh every day — no ready meals, no delivery service. Allergies, intolerances and dietary wishes such as going without meat are of course taken into account. In rare cases, with very specific restrictions, I ask parents to prepare and bring the food themselves.
Yes. In good weather a visit to the Pfühlpark is part of everyday life. The Köpfertal nature reserve is another favourite. Now and then we visit the Meerida or meet up with childminder friends and their groups.
Creative crafts, elements of Montessori education, movement games, reading aloud, and regular outings in the neighbourhood.
Please let me know as early as you can, so that I can plan the day. Your child can come back once they have been free of fever and symptoms for at least two days.
There is unfortunately no permanent stand-in. If I am ill or away, care rests with the parents or other relatives. Closing days are announced reliably at the end of each year for the whole of the following year. The service is closed on public holidays in Baden-Württemberg.
PracticalitiesYes. The rooms have been inspected and officially approved by the Heilbronn youth welfare office.
A dog lives in my private household. If your child has an animal hair allergy, please mention it in your first enquiry.
Available places are always announced on this website. If you are planning further ahead, you are welcome to get in touch by email.
Children from their first birthday up to their third birthday at the latest.
Write a short message with your child’s age and when you would need a place. Please note that day-to-day communication and the contract are in German.