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30 years of early education: A celebration of inclusion in the Oberlinhaus!
On July 5, 2025, the Oberlinhaus in Potsdam celebrated 30 years of early education and promotes inclusive learning for families.
30 years of early education: A celebration of inclusion in the Oberlinhaus!
A remarkable occasion was recently celebrated in Potsdam: Early life support in Oberlinhaus looks back on 30 successful years. As one of the first offerings of its kind in the region, the Oberlinhaus has made a name for itself with its three locations in Potsdam-Babelsberg, Potsdam-Nord and Werder. There are over 70 specialists here who accompany and support more than 650 families every year. Juliane Höpfner, the managing director of Lebenswelten, emphasized how important early support is in order to enable participation right from the start. Growing demand makes these offerings essential – not just for the children, but for their families.
The ceremony was a colorful mix of greetings and specialist contributions that focused on the development of early intervention and the importance of inclusive practice. Armin Sohns, Professor of Early Intervention, spoke about the positive development in early intervention. Video messages, including from Gitta Hüttmann, head of the supra-regional early intervention office in the state of Brandenburg, enriched the event. Partners such as the AWO and the EJF were also there to celebrate the successful collaboration. The contribution of one affected family, who impressively described their experiences with early intervention, was particularly moving.
A diverse range of funding
The Oberlinhaus not only offers a general support approach, but also specialized autism-specific support options. The meeting of interests and needs is made possible by innovative processes such as the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). This process helps children with early childhood autism or severe autism spectrum disorders learn the basics of communication. Using picture cards and individual reinforcers, such as praise or games, children are helped to clearly express their wishes and needs. This not only promotes language skills, but also confidence in your own communication skills.
How important it is that children with autism spectrum disorders are well supported in everyday school life is reflected not least in the projects and initiatives that are being implemented in the various federal states. On the education server you will find comprehensive information about funding opportunities, projects for inclusive teaching and further assistance for teachers. A particularly relevant project is “Diagnosing barriers for autistic students in inclusive schools”, which aims to identify and reduce obstacles in everyday school life. The need for special integration offers is also repeatedly emphasized in order to promote social integration and independence in children.
All in all, the 30th anniversary of early education at Oberlinhaus shows not only the successes of the last few years, but also the commitment to an inclusive future. The motto is: Every person has the right to participate – right from the start.