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IHK Darmstadt awards twelve MINT certificates to daycare centers in southern Hesse
The Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce, together with the "Kinder forschen" certified twelve daycare centers in southern Hesse. The facilities can now officially identify themselves as "Children's Research Centers ." The certification demonstrates that they provide STEM education with high pedagogical quality
The award was presented as part of the educational conference marking the 10th anniversary of the network partnership between the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce and the foundation. The Chamber of Industry and Commerce has supported the initiative since 2015, thereby fostering children's sustained interest in scientific and technological topics .
Importance of early childhood STEM education
In her welcoming address, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice President Elfie Broschard :
"Early STEM education in daycare centers and elementary schools provides all children, regardless of their background, with equal opportunities to discover science and develop a lasting interest. It lays the foundation for educational and career paths and thus contributes to greater educational equity."
Certification by the "Kinder forschen" is based on established quality criteria, which are aligned with the German Kindergarten Quality Seal and the process-related quality criteria for science education . It is valid for two years, after which institutions can reapply.
Examples from the region
The now-certified institutions have implemented research projects with the children to meet the criteria. A special example is the Reichenberg School in Reichelsheim , which has been certified for the fifth time and also functions as a STEM center .
With this certificate, the Darmstadt Chamber of Industry and Commerce is sending a strong signal for educational equity and early childhood development in southern Hesse.
(Red/IHK)
