06.10.2025 Ifenna Ekezie 772

Anja Sondermann is childminder of the year

Anja Sondermann from Essen-Werden was named Childminder of the Year 2025. For 40 years, she has devoted herself with great dedication to the loving and holistic care of children in her "Haus der kleinen Wichtel". Daycare is more than just a job for her - she puts her heart and soul into it. The families feel this every day.

To celebrate her work, our specialist advisors from the Parent Counseling & Child Daycare department visited Anja Sondermann in person and celebrated her 40th anniversary together.

Full of warmth and expertise for 40 years

Anja Sondermann has been running the daycare center "Haus der kleinen Wichtel" for decades. Her loving work is characterized by holistic care that strengthens the children's physical, emotional and mental development in equal measure.

She attaches particular importance to a structured daily, weekly and annual rhythm with fixed rituals. In this way, she gives the children orientation and security. In her small group with a maximum of five children aged from 0 years to kindergarten entry, Anja Sondermann organizes everyday life in a way that is both varied and true to everyday life: with free play, creative activities, household chores and shared rituals and celebrations.

It focuses on the individual and age-appropriate development of each child - without pressure to perform and with room for co-determination and independence.

Intercultural openness and inclusive care as a matter close to our hearts

Intercultural openness is an integral part of the educational concept at Haus der kleinen Wichtel. Anja Sondermann takes into account the different living environments of the children and their families and thus creates an appreciative, enriching environment for young and old.

With her many years of experience in inclusive care, she supports children with special needs and works closely with therapists, doctors and public authorities. Everyone is welcome here, because the group thrives on the personality of each child.

We would like to thank Anja Sondermann for her commitment and congratulate her on being named Childminder of the Year 2025!

About the "Child day carer of the year" competition

pme Familienservice GmbH recognizes the commitment of childminders with the "Childminder of the Year" award. At the same time, it raises awareness of this demanding task.

Childminders can apply for the selection process with a text. In addition to a description of their child day care work, they should also describe the positive aspects that characterize their individual work or the special conditions under which they have supported families.

The selection jury is made up of our specialist advisors from the field of child day care. The winner is awarded a prize and a certificate.

How does the pme Familienservice promote the quality of child day care?

Child day care is an important pillar of childcare. At pme Familienservice , we have been campaigning for many years to make working in childcare a recognized profession and to create the same conditions for childminders as for educational professionals in childcare centers .

This includes performance-related pay as well as substitution arrangements during vacations and illness. Another goal is the state recognition of the profession of childminder.

We are a valued contact and cooperation partner among specialist advisors and childminder associations with our advanced training courses specifically for childminders.