Under sunny skies on May 18th, the first sod was turned for the “Fliegerkiste” – the daycare centre funded jointly by Karl Knauer KG, Hydro Systems KG and the community of Biberach. Construction work will start shortly; the building will be ready for occupancy at the beginning of 2011.

The path that led up to this started in 2007 with contemplations on how the community should meet the demand for more daycare space. Two years ago initial discussions were carried out between the two general managers of the companies Karl Knauer KG and Hydro Systems KG statt. In the past, they had often experienced how difficult it was for their employees to combine childraising and a career. Then in August 2008, the community of Biberach gave its approval for the plan. All of those involved are convinced that many more communities will follow this path of joint funding through local companies.
For Barbara Huttegger, managing partner of Hydro, the ground-breaking was something very special, and she is delighted with the realization of the “Fliegerkiste,” in which children may grow up in an intact environment made up by the family, community and employers. The point is to raise them as individuals with a sense of responsibility and ongoing curiosity, and especially to teach them how to solve problems together, says Huttegger. But the daycare centre is important to the running of the company, too: “Only when parents are sure that their children are well taken care of can they perform well at work,” explains Hutegger.
For the company Karl Knauer, the managing partner Richard Kammerer emphasized the harmony between all those involved.  All decisions made were unanimous, says Kammerer, who hopes that this same spirit will be carried over to everyone working in the “Fliegerkiste” later.
But before the “Fliegerkiste” can be officially inaugurated, some time still has to pass. The building is supposed to be ready for occupancy at the beginning of 2011. It will then offer space for small children six months and older in two groups of ten, and for a regular group with 20 three to six year-olds. The daycare centre is planned to be open non-stop from 7 am to 7 pm, including holidays, except for the days between Christmas and New Year’s.
Stephan Seißinger, project manager of Kunterbunt children centres with headquarters in Nurnberg, the operator of the daycare centre, explained that based on previous experience, the daycare centre will likely be expanded first. Seißinger expects the first regular group in September 2011. “Kunterbunt” arose from a parent intitiative and is considered to be mainly a specialist for commercial childcare, with many hospitals are clients, but there has also been cooperation with municipalities before, too. Besides looking after the administrative duties, “Kunterbunt’s” responsibilities include the development and furnishing of the building. From an educational point of view, says Seißinger, the children centres follow a situation-oriented approach, which aligns itself with the particular requirements on site.