Three toddlers playing together with a large soft ball
Places available on request

Small seeds
Big things ahead.

Welcome to „das Zauberkörnchen“. I am Larisa Lurie, a qualified childminder in Essen, licensed under § 43 SGB VIII by the Jugendamt Essen.

In my small, home-like group I look after up to five children, from a few months to three years old — with plenty of love, warmth and time for every single little seed.

Licence § 43 SGB VIII · Jugendamt Essen · Paediatric first aid

Experience you can feel

12 years of home-based childcare
29 children cared for
17 years of pedagogical experience
5 years of university training in education
3 languages: German, Russian, Georgian
2 countries: Germany and Georgia
Larisa Lurie, childminder in Essen
Larisa Lurie Qualified childminder in Essen
About me

Hello, I am Larisa!

I am a mother and a qualified childminder in Essen, and nothing matters more to me than giving children a second safe harbour — a place where they feel completely at ease.

To me this is more than childcare: I am someone a child can trust through one of the most important stages of their life.

What matters most to me is secure attachment, calm, and a loving atmosphere where every child can grow at their own pace. I speak German and Russian — bilingual families are very welcome.

My qualifications

  • Qualified childminder — 300-hour QHB training programme
  • Official childminding licence (Pflegeerlaubnis, § 43 SGB VIII) issued by the Essen youth welfare office
  • Paediatric first aid — refreshed every year
  • Many years of experience with babies and toddlers
My approach

A steady rhythm with room to breathe

I follow each child's needs and nurture language, movement and independence through play. Every day has its familiar routines — and still leaves room for what a child needs right now.

Attachment & feeling safe

Arriving, building trust, feeling safe. In a group of no more than five children, there is time for every single little seed.

Language in everyday life

Talking, singing, looking at picture books — language grows along the way. I can speak both German and Russian with the children.

Movement & independence

Climbing, tumbling, trying things for themselves: indoors in the playroom and outdoors in the fresh air — always at their own pace.

A day at the Zauberkörnchen

Every day follows the same familiar rhythm — that is what makes children feel safe.
07:30 – 08:30 Arrival and free play
08:30 A healthy breakfast together
09:30 A walk, singing and crafts
11:30 A freshly cooked hot lunch
12:00 – 14:00 Naps, for as long as each child needs
14:00 – 15:00 Afternoon snack and free play
15:30 Pick-up
The space

A home to play and sleep in

The children spend their day in bright, warmly furnished, child-safe rooms in Essen: a play area, a cosy sleeping area and a small garden.

Play room with jungle mural, child's table and playpen
The bright play area with the jungle wall
Sleeping area with a child's bed
The sleeping area
Play room with a ride-on car
Room to ride and romp
Shelf with learning games and materials
Learning games and materials
Play kitchen and toy garage
Play kitchen and garage

Outdoors every day

A small garden by the house and playgrounds in the neighbourhood: fresh air, swings, climbing and sand are part of our day.

Essen, Essen-Horst / Steele
Playground with a pirate ship Swings at the playground Climbing net at the playground The building where the childcare takes place
Our everyday

What a day at the Zauberkörnchen looks like

Children jumping on a play mat A child climbing on play equipment Children drawing together at a table A child on a tyre swing at the playground Larisa with a child outdoors
Contact & enrolment

Let us get to know each other

I am happy to tell you about available places — just get in touch and we can meet, with no obligation. WhatsApp or a phone call reaches me fastest.

Childcare „das Zauberkörnchen“ Larisa Lurie
Address Essen, Essen-Horst / Steele
WhatsApp 491776268709
Instagram @larisa_lurie
Languages German · Russian · Georgian
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