


Happy
Hedgehog
International Playgroup in Basel
English and German
About the Playgroup
We offer bilingual morning and afternoon sessions (English & German) from Monday to Friday, and a fun English-only Saturday playgroup full of dancing, obstacle courses, yoga, and kids aerobics.
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Our daily rhythm combines gentle structure with free play. We go on small adventures — to nearby parks, the zoo, or museums — and create space for children to explore and grow in their own way.
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Every child is different, so we adjust to what each one needs. Some children settle in quickly, while others need more time. We are here to support you and your child through the whole process.
We also help families through different stages like potty training, picky eating, or behavioral challenges, always with care and understanding.
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We offer flexible drop-off times, extra hours, and we’re happy to find the financial solution that works best for your family.
We value your feedback, and once a year, we sit down for a parent-teacher meeting to share our observations and talk about your child’s development.
Experience a day with us

German version

English version

Meet Our Playgroup Teachers

Darka Steinmann
Co-owner of HHIP & Playgroup Leader - English
I am Canadian, and English is my first language. I hold a diploma in Social Service Work with a specialization in Autism and Behavioural Science. I moved to Switzerland 14 years ago, and since then, I have always worked in KITAs in Basel—until I co-founded HHIP. I’m passionate about working with young children and supporting them on their developmental journey toward Kindergarten. I look forward to getting to know you and your child!

Anasztazia Donaczi-Bognar
Co-owner of HHIP & Playgroup Leader - English
I am Anasztazia Donaczi-Bognar. I moved to Basel, Switzerland in 2016 and worked for 7 years in an international daycare (KITA) before co-founding HHIP. I have been working with children since 2014.
I am a mother, an educator, and someone who truly understands how hard it is to trust someone with your child. For me, the most important thing is creating a space where both children and parents feel safe, loved, and supported.
My background is in early childhood education, health promotion, and children's aerobics. I believe in helping children grow through kindness, calm routines, movement, and connection.
We also love building a strong community, so we regularly host events where families can meet, share, and enjoy time together.
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I look forward to welcoming you with open arms.

Franciska Csonka-Bődy
Playgroup Leader - German
My name is Franciska Csonka-Bődy, and I am the mother of four children.
All of my children have attended a playgroup, so I know how important that first impression is—the first meeting with the caregivers, a new place, a small new community.
At first, it felt very strange to entrust my first child to someone completely unfamiliar. It took time to build mutual trust, and I understand how important that process is—for both the child and the parents.
Some children need a bit more time, others adjust more quickly.
To me, it’s especially important that the time spent in the playgroup is not only loving but also of high quality—so that the child looks forward to coming back.
When a child happily waves goodbye to their parents and walks confidently into the group, there’s hardly a more beautiful feeling for me. That’s when I know: the child feels safe.
Peek into the play area
We believe every child deserves a safe, loving, and peaceful place to begin their journey — a place where they feel happy, understood, and free to be themselves.
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At Happy Hedgehog, play is how children learn best. We fill our days with singing, dancing, storytelling, movement, and creative play. These joyful activities support their growth, build fine motor skills, and help them feel confident and safe.
Above all, we care deeply about every child. We listen, support, and gently guide them, helping them grow at their own pace.




Morning Sessions
Short Sessions
Long Sessions
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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8:45-11:45
8:45-11:45
8:45-11:45
8:45-11:45
8:45-11:45
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8:00-12:00
8:00-12:00
8:00-12:00
8:00-12:00
8:00-12:00
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Fees: 1 hour = 20 CHF
Short Session: 3 hours = 60 CHF
Long Session: 4 hours= 80 CHF
Meals are included in the fee.
Afternoon Sessions
Short Sessions
Long Sessions
Fees: 1 hour = 20 CHF
Short Session: 3 hours = 60 CHF
Long Session: 4 hours= 80 CHF
Meals are included in the fee.
13:00-17:00
13:00-17:00
13:00-17:00
13:00-17:00
13:00-17:00
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13:30-16:30
13:30-16:30
13:30-16:30
13:30-16:30
13:30-16:30
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Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
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between 09:00 and 12:00
Fees: 1 hour = 20 CHF
1 Session: 3 hours = 60 CHF
Meals are included in the fee.
Saturday Playdates
Discounts for Siblings and for BCT Memebers
If siblings attend the Playgroup at same time, the Playgroup fee including Morning and/or Afternoon Sessions is / are reduced by 10% from the second child onwards in the first month.
Basel Children's Trust (BCT) and Centrepoint members receive a 10% discount from all our services.
We are waiving the registration fee for Basel Children’s Trust (BCT) and Centrepoint members, saving you CHF 70!









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