Facts & Figures | Things To Know | Preventing Cultural Shock | Shopping | Post & Telephone | Children | Pets Having a Baby The high standard of obstetrical care combined with an excellent midwivery system results in a positive outcome for both mother and baby. Switzerland has one of the lowest infant mortality rate in the world. Three options for birthing are available to women in Switzerland: • Private clinics and public hospitals • Birthing Centers • Home Birth For consultations regarding the various options contact Andrea Bader Rusch at "The Stork Knows? (044 926 57 48 or editor@thenewstorktimes.com). A member of the International Childbirth Educators Association and the National Childbirth Trust, she conducts childbirth preparation classes in English. "The Stork Knows” also publishes an English language newsletter, The New Stork Times, which provides information on schools, playgroups, parenting, children activities, etc. "Mothering Matters" (contact Susan Straubinger, 044 772 36 55 or www.mmjournal.com ) is a non-profit based English-language journal with articles from a number of professional sources, and contributions from parents living in Switzerland. Each issue also has a family-tested recipe, a craft project, a recommended family outing, plus La Leche League International information. You'll find useful sources of information and contacts, including mother and tot groups, activities for children of all ages and current events listings for Zürich and Basel. Child Care Compared to the abundance of nurseries and pre-schools in England for example, the limited childcare facilities in Zurich can sometimes be an unpleasant surprise. Some of the waiting lists extend to two years. It is wise to explore childcare options well in advance of your actual need. A babysitting service in the city of Zurich is provided by Care 4 Kids (044 251 61 86). It is a referral agency that requires a yearly membership fee based upon family income. All babysitters are required to participate in seminars and babysitting classes run by professionals. Zurich International School (044 715 27 95) and the Inter Community School (044 919 83 00) maintain lists of students who offer babysitting services. For toddler circles and playgroups contact the American Women’s Club of Zurich (044 240 44 55), the Zurich International Women’s Association (044 980 50 30) or "The Stork Knows? (044 926 57 48). The international Women’s Activity Club in Uster (043 305 92 50), as an English speaking club, offers many events for kids’ of all ages, as well as a comprehensive program of activities for women. The club also runs the Learning Tree Cooperative School, offering pre-school classes for kids 2-5 years old and after-school programs for children between 5 and 12 years old. In addition to the public Day Care Centers (German only) there are numerous private centers available. The regulations for obtaining Au-Pairs or Nannies vary so greatly, it is advisable to contact "Pro Filia?" (German only) (044 363 55 00). For Au-Pairs in particular you will find that much depends upon the language spoken in the home, the residential status of the family members and the country from which the Au-Pair is coming (is she Swiss or foreign?) Classes Play, Art and Music classes for parents and children are offered by "Gymboree Zurich" (043 844 0660). The Gymboree learning program is a progression of developmentally appropriate classes for new borns and children up to the age of 5 years. Through play, children develop the self-esteem, coordination and social skills necessary to grow. The colourful playscapes, energetic teachers and fun group activities at Gymboree are all geared to turn locomotion into learning. Newly located in Zumikon, there are bus and tram connections on the doorstep, and a family oriented shopping village, with grocery store, restaurant, pharmacy and outdoor Children's play park. Hands-On Kids English Center, located between Zurich and Winterthur, was founded in 2002, and offers classes in English for children from two to twelve years old. They have programs for Native English speakers (Preschool for children starting with two years old and Primary School, which includes Reading and Writing levels 1, 2 and 3, Story and Interaction and Conversation). Additionally we offer ESL Courses, Afterschool, and Active Kids courses. Children’s Activities A "child-friendly” country, there are activities galore for children in and around Zurich. No matter what the weather or your child’s preference, you are bound to find an exciting indoor or outdoor activity within easy reach. This section could easily fill the largest amount of space on our entire website. The list of things to do and places to go with children is seemingly endless. For a more comprehensive list, refer to our What To Do and Sightseeing & Trips sections. Community Centers & Public Parks One of the highlights of the city are the numerous community centers (German only) and public parks. Every city district has its own community center available to the district residents. Not only are activities and events offered such as flea markets, crafts, children circus, gymnastics, etc. but the rooms can also be rented for public and private use. Why not hold your child’s next birthday party in your local community center? There are an abundance of public parks complete with playgrounds in Zurich, which vary in size and equipment offered. One of the very special parks is the "Artergut” with its beautiful expansive lawns surrounded by magnificent old trees. Located close to Kreuzplatz, it is a peaceful meeting point for both adults and children (see also Address List Playgrounds). A map with all playgrounds in Zurich is available for free at Pro Juventute (German only) (044 256 77 77) Ballet, Dance & Theatre Looking for a dance or theatre class for your child? Classes can be found in almost every city district or community, led by either private individuals, fitness centers or dance academies (see Address List Ballet, Dance & Theatre). Music Does your child have a yearning to play a musical instrument? There are both private and public music schools as well as private music teachers providing lessons on all kinds of instruments. Every school has an associated music department or lists of private teachers. Inquire at your government office or your town hall. Sports The list of sports activities is seemingly endless. What might interest your child? What’s the latest trend? See our sports section! Cultural Activities & Places to Go The following institutions offer wonderful performances specifically for children: • Classical Music Hall (German only) (Tonhalle) • Opera House (German only) • Theatre Stadelhofen (German only) • Theatre at Hechtplatz (German only) Don’t let the language stop you from attending. Every child understands the language of puppets, music and dance. Although films for adults are normally shown in the original language with subtitles in French and German, children’s films are most often dubbed in German or Swiss German. A great opportunity for learning the language! See also our culture section. There are a variety of exciting museums which you and your child are guaranteed to enjoy. Each one of them will need a special day of its own. Just a sampling: In the Museum of Zoology you can put on earphones and hear the voices of different animals, you can touch the fur from different creatures and pick through a microscope to get a closer look at a spider... if you like! Go back in time and visit the original inhabitants of North America: (German only) is constantly offering new exhibitions. The Muehlerama is part of an old mill preserved as a museum. It is a place where you can be actively involved in baking bread and the best of all is a slide down the old flour shoot. Everything you ever wanted to know about dinosaurs can be found in the Dinosaur Museum (German only) in Aathal, only 30 minutes from the city (between Uster and Wetzikon). This is really a fun place to visit even if it is only to see the skeleton of a Brachiosaur (24 meters long and 5.5 meters high). If you want to go to a museum where the kids are invited to touch most of the things on exhibition, then you love either the Technorama (German only) in Winterthur or the Museum of Traffic and Communication in Lucerne. See Address List Museums. |