Zentrum für kindliche Mehrsprachigkeit

Founded in 2002, Zentrum für kindliche Mehrsprachigkeit is a non-profit association based in München, Germany working on education, children & youth.

The Zentrum für kindliche Mehrsprachigkeit e.V. (zkm), known for the KIKUS language-support method, is a non-profit association based in Munich, Germany. It is a competence centre for early language support and children's multilingualism. It runs language courses for children in small groups, typically up to eight children, in kindergartens and primary schools, and offers training seminars and certification for educators, teachers and parents. It also produces KIKUS learning materials, including picture cards, parent-child worksheets, music and digital tools, in many languages. The association states it is politically independent and non-denominational, and that it is funded by course and training fees, membership fees, material sales and donations. It has partner organisations in Austria, Romania and South Africa. Its stated aims are equal educational opportunities and integration for children, particularly those with migration backgrounds, and the recognition of all languages. It also campaigns for multilingualism to be considered in education policy. The association is recognised as charitable (gemeinnützig) by the Munich tax office. Its founder, Dr. Edgardis Garlin, developed the KIKUS method in 1998.