Soon at home in Cologne-Weidenpesch
A place to arrive, discover, and feel at home – right in the heart of the neighborhood.
From August 2027, we are opening a new rainbowtrekkers location for approximately 60 children at Kapuzinerstr. 10. The location in the Nippes district offers short distances and plenty of green spaces. It’s not far to the racecourse, Neusser Straße next door has that Cologne flair, and the professional fire brigade headquarters around the corner is sure to be an eye-catcher. What you can expect today: active multilingualism, a gentle settling-in period, and warm cooperation between the team and families.
What makes rainbowtrekkers special
Warmth, language, and structure – for an everyday life that feels good.
At rainbowtrekkers, children find a place where they can feel safe and discover new things. Clear routines provide stability, and loving relationships create a sense of security. Multilingualism is naturally integrated: German and English in daily life, and family languages are welcome.
We approach the settling-in period gently and maintain open communication with you as parents. Through play, projects, and outdoor activities in the neighborhood, children learn every day – with their head, heart, and hands. Our team fosters independence, friendships, and the ‘I can do it!’ feeling. With our preschool concept, we build a bridge to primary school – playfully and practically. This builds trust, and children bravely take their next steps.
Multilingual from the Start
German and English are part of our everyday life – in stories, games, and songs. Children are welcome to bring their family languages and experience that language connects. This is how expressive power grows naturally, without pressure.
Settling In & Relationships
We start gently and as a team. Your child gets time, familiar rituals, and reliable caregivers. You as parents are actively involved – step by step, at the pace that is good for your child.
Learning in Everyday Life & Preschool
Discover, try out, ask questions – education happens with us in doing: in projects, in nature, with movement and music. Our preschool concept builds on this and creates a stable bridge to elementary school.
A good start – with a place at rainbowtrekkers
This is how you register your child with rainbowtrekkers – simply, transparently, and personally.
A kita spot is more than just care – it’s the beginning of a shared journey. To ensure a smooth start for you and your child, we guide you through the entire registration process transparently and personally. Would you like to
Costs & Contributions
At rainbowtrekkers, we value transparency – including costs. Your child’s care is largely publicly funded, and a portion of the contributions depends on your income. With your membership in the support association, you also help us maintain our high quality standards, fair working conditions, and special offers for all children.
Parental Contributions to the City of Cologne
The amount of parental contributions is determined by the Youth Welfare Office of your place of residence. It depends on your income and the number of children in your family. For families residing in Cologne, the Youth Welfare Office of the City of Cologne is responsible; outside Cologne, it’s the respective local Youth Welfare Office. You will receive the notification about the contribution amount directly from them.
Support association "Early Education in the Kita e.V."
Our daycare centers are only partially publicly funded. Government funds alone are not sufficient to secure our quality standards long-term. Our budget is legally defined and is composed as follows: 92.2% public funding + 7.8% own contribution (support association, donations). Therefore, we ask all parents to become members of the support association “Early Education in Daycare e.V.”.
Your advantages:
- Your contribution flows 100% directly into your child’s daycare center.
- You support fair working conditions, good equipment, and special projects.
Monthly Support Contributions:
- €25 for families receiving basic social security benefits (SGB II)
- €195 regular
- from €100,000 annual income: freely selectable, minimum €195
Meal allowance
For your child’s meals, we charge a monthly meal fee of €75. Low-income families can apply for a reduction to €1 per lunch through the Education and Participation Package.
Why your support is so important
Rainbowtrekkers is a non-profit, independent organization – no corporation, no church. We finance our work exclusively through public grants and your contributions. Unlike large welfare associations, we have no additional sources of income such as church tax or foundation funds.
With your support, you help us continue to do what is dear to our hearts: to offer children a loving, safe, and inspiring place to grow.
Let's talk to each other
Do you have questions about the concept, times, or settling in? We would be happy to advise you and keep you up to date.
rainbowtrekkers Daycare non-profit GmbH
Management: TBD
Deputy: TBD
- weidenpesch[at]rainbowtrekkers.de
- +49 221 466 830 0
- Kapuzinerstr. 10 | 50737 Cologne, Germany
Questions about registration in Weidenpesch? Find answers here.
In our FAQ, we have summarized the most important points regarding registration, placement, and getting started.
How can my child become a rainbowtrekker?
If you would like to make a place inquiry, please use our place inquiry form.
Are there currently any places available?
Our daycare center in Weidenpesch is expected to open in summer 2027. We are accepting place inquiries immediately.
Can I visit the Kita beforehand?
As soon as the building inspection by the building authority has taken place, we will offer viewing appointments at the facility. We cannot yet say exactly when that will be. Probably in the 2nd quarter of 2027.
Why doesn't rainbowtrekkers respond directly to all inquiries?
What happens to my inquiry?
Your data will be placed on our waiting list. We expect to begin allocating spots for the 2027/28 daycare year after the summer holidays in 2026.
When will I get to know the Kita personally?
If we can offer you a spot and you are still interested, we would be happy to welcome you and your child to one of our facilities.
What costs are involved for a childcare place?
You pay meal fees directly to rainbowtrekkers, as well as an income-dependent parental contribution to the City of Cologne. Further details on fees & contributions can be found here.
What admission criteria apply at rainbowtrekkers?
Since demand is often higher than available capacity, we decide according to the following criteria (in descending order of importance):
- Siblings already attend the facility
- Age appropriateness for the desired group
- Balanced gender distribution
- Alignment with our values and concepts
- Contribution to the social or cultural diversity of the group
- Families without an existing support network or moving to the city
Children from neighboring cities or families from outside can also apply – you do not necessarily have to live in Cologne.
What about "LittleBird"?
We do not participate in the Little-Bird procedure, but allocate our spots directly via our place inquiry form. If you send us a place inquiry, you can also send five additional place inquiries to daycare centers of other providers via “LittleBird” if desired.