In multilingual Switzerland, introducing a second language early can give children a lifelong advantage.
While public school in Switzerland begins after age 4, and English classes begin during the 3rd class of primary school. Pre-school and pre-kindergarden education is considered private day-care often referred to as Kita or Crèche in the French speaking regions. Most Kitas offer half-day and full-day care of babies from 5 months old up until Kindergarden age and are often a great place where children learn to interact and grow in a social environment. They are however expensive for many families, climbing to CHF 2,500 per month for Monday-Friday, 8-6pm, on average. And with more than 1 child per family the total cost can sum up to a large amount.
An alternative to full-day Kitas in Switzerland are playgroups. In a playgroup children have supervised play-time and guidance by an educator while they play and performing fun tasks inside and outdoors. Depending on the provider playgroups are offered for a specific duration on set days of the week or they can be a full day. There are many playgroups that not offer learning through supervised play but also foreign language teaching such as English during play. Foreign language learning through play has proved to work in instilling children with the foundations to become multilingual adults.
Why Play-Based Learning Works
According to researchers at the University of Zurich and University of Geneva, the ages 1 to 6 represent a crucial window for language learning. During this time, play enhances memory, attention, and language acquisition. Social games, storytelling, and music create an ideal environment for children to absorb English naturally.
Top Benefits of English Playgroups
- Natural language acquisition through real interaction
- Improved social and emotional development
- Early reading and writing skills via phonics and vocabulary building
- Increased cultural awareness and empathy
- Long-term cognitive benefits including better executive function
What to Look for in a Great English Playgroup
- Small group sizes (6–10 children)
- Qualified educators with child development experience
- Structured themes and guided activities
- Integration of music, movement, and sensory play
- Emphasis on communication rather than memorization
Recommended English Playgroups in Switzerland Curated by Momizen.com
- English Kids Club in Zollikon by Nayeli. Music, science, and English immersion, with a 3 hour session.
- Imagination Station in Rüschlikon. Bilingual play in English and Spanish, with a 2-hour session.
- Tiny Hands Creations in Zurich. Offers playgroups, drop-ins and camps, with a 2-hour session and a full-day option.
- Custom Kids in Ehrendingen. Free play, creative writing classes, science club and more themes, with 2 and 2.5-hour sessions.
- Stallikids in Stallikon. Offers Montessori playgroup & flexible daycare, with a 3 hour session and a full-day options.
- Storycraft Art Classes in Rüschlikon. Thematic art classes preceded by a story in English with 3-hour sessions and full-day options.
- FUN-TASTIC English Club in Horgen. Creative English through play and art, with 2 and 4-hour sessions.
How to Get Started
Use Momizen to search by age, location, and language. Most playgroups offer free trial classes where children can visit and help parents decide if this is the right playgroup for them. The earlier you start, the more naturally your child will pick up the language.
When it begins with laughter, movement, and creativity, language becomes part of a child’s world. Discover the joy of English through play with the help of the Momizen community.
Find the right English playgroup for your child at Momizen.com. Contact us to list your program or ask for personalized recommendations [email protected].
