Children First Primary School and Bilingual Daycare

At Children First in Seefeld and Oerlikon, your child is at the center – supported by a dedicated, experienced, and bilingual team. Our teachers and caregivers are highly qualified and create a safe, play-based environment where children can grow emotionally, socially, and linguistically.

Head of School Monica Shah founded Children First in 2006 and has shaped daily life ever since with high educational standards and heartfelt commitment. She is supported by a team of specialists including Adri Kollmeyer (English Kindergarten & Primary), Julia König (German as a Second Language, Swiss Kindergarten), Rebekka O’Brien (Early Years Foundation Stage), and Balbir Bhangal (Forest School & Bilingual Education).

Through bilingual teaching, Montessori-inspired methods, and a relationship-focused approach, our team ensures that children from 0–8 years in Zürich grow up curious, confident, and capable.

Meet the Children First Team – Nurturing Young Minds in Zürich

At Children First, we believe that a truly exceptional early learning experience begins with exceptional people. From Seefeld to Oerlikon, our dedicated educators combine deep expertise, passion, and heart — creating a bilingual, play-based space where children thrive emotionally, socially, and linguistically.

Leadership You Can Trust

• Monica Shah (Founder & Principal) Monica is the visionary behind Children First. A British-Swiss educator with roots in child and family services, she established this bilingual centre in Zürich in 2006. She maintains high standards in pedagogy and practice while remaining hands-on — you’ll often find her on the classroom floor, supporting staff and students alike.

Qualified Teachers & Caregivers

Children First invests deeply in its people. Our team includes seasoned educators and specialists — not interns or temp workers — who share a commitment to relational learning, emotional care, and respectful engagement. Research supports that the quality of staff plays a crucial role in early childhood development, and we hold this as foundational to our community.

Here are a few of the outstanding team members shaping the daily life at Children First:

• Adri Kollmeyer With teaching experience across South Africa, South Korea, and Switzerland, Adri brings a global perspective. She teaches English in Kindergarten and Primary and is passionate about lifelong learning, cultural exploration, and connecting with children through curiosity and care.
• Julia König A specialist in Swiss Kindergarten education and German as a Second Language, Julia has over 15 years of experience. Formerly a head of school, she is deeply invested in integrating new families and supporting children’s linguistic development in Zürich.