Das Projekt verfolgt das Ziel, sprachliche Bildung zu stärken und inklusive Strukturen in Kindergärten weiterzuentwickeln. Es strebt an, pädagogische Fachkräfte für die Herausforderungen einer diversitätsbewussten und inklusiven Praxis zu sensibilisieren, ihre Handlungskompetenz zu stärken und ihre Expertise in der sprachlichen Bildungsbegleitung zu vertiefen. Rund 150 Kindertageseinrichtungen erhalten im Rahmen der Förderung durch das TMBWK zusätzliche Mittel für Personal- und Sachkosten. Gleichzeitig werden Fachberatungen für eine gezielte Prozessbegleitung ausgestattet. Ergänzend gibt es Fortbildungs- und Qualifizierungsangebote, die auf die Bedarfe der teilnehmenden Einrichtungen zugeschnitten sind. Die wissenschaftliche Begleitung und Evaluationen sichern die Qualitätsentwicklung ab. Realisiert wird diese durch das Thüringer Institut für Kindheitspädagogik der Fachhochschule Erfurt (ThInKPäd).

Allgemeine Informationen zum Transferprojekt „Thüringer Qualitätskompass – sprachliche Bildung und inklusive Kindergartenentwicklung“ des Ministeriums für Bildung, Wissenschaft und Kultur (TMBWK) finden Sie HIER.

The project “Thüringer Qualitätskompass – sprachliche Bildung und inklusive Kindergartenentwicklung” (“Thuringian Quality Compass – Language Education and Inclusive Kindergarten Development”) aims at strengthening children’s language education and at continuous development of inclusive structure in early childhood settings. It raises awareness among early childhood professionals for the challenges of diversity-conscious and inclusive practice, strengthens their professional agency and deepens their expertise in language education support.

Around 150 kindergardens receive additional funding for staff and material resources. At the same time, specialised consultants support the kindergardens through ongoing process guidance. In addition, training and qualification formats take place to support the participating institutions. Continuous research and evaluation ensure the quality of the project’s development.

Alongside compulsory project components – such as introducing the “Thuringian Quality Compass” and testing language assessment tools – the pedagogical teams develop detailed action plans. These plans identify specific inclusive development needs and are implemented and reviewed in cooperation with professional advisors and researchers.

The “Thuringian Quality Compass” is an instrument for reflecting quality development, based on the inclusive core values of equality, dignity, equal rights and belonging. It acknowledges the diversity of children’s lives and needs and was developed within the project “Vielfalt vor Ort begegnen” (2021-2025) (Encountering Diversity in Local Contexts). The overall aim is to create early childhood settings which are safe, appreciative and inclusive for all children. The “Quality Compass” includes a brochure in German language entitled “Vielfaltssensibel Praxis gestalten – Schlüsselsituationen der inklusiven Entwicklung von Kindergärten” („Diversity-Sensitive Practice in Action – Key Situations of Inclusive Kindergarten Development“), a training module, and a set of reflection cards which is currently under development.

The research team supports the goals of this project by accompanying processes through research: a qualitative study on the implementation of the Thuringian Quality Compass, team discussions on the role of those people who visit our study moduls and multiply their knowledge to their team, and ongoing project monitoring.

Under the direction of Prof. Dr. Michaela Rißmann and Prof. Dr. Barbara Lochner, the project is implemented on behalf of the Thuringian Ministry of Education, Science and Culture between 2026 and 2027.

For support, a theoretically grounded and empirically validated curriculum is implemented for the professional development of educators, focusing on diversity, inclusion and team processes. For active exchange, working groups are offered on topics such as “Reflective Practitioner Research and Professional Case Work”, “Inclusive Kindergarten Development”, “Social Work in kindergardens”, “kindergardens in Rural Areas”, “Key Topic: Language” and “kindergardens in a Migration Society”.

In addition, a pool of materials on language and inclusion is continuously expanded, and information and practical recommendations are made available via this project website, newsletter and Instagram.

Current research findings are presented at conferences, which also support networking and further professional development of early childhood practitioners.