Stara Knežija 6, 10000, Zagreb
HREN
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About us

Our story

A family story ten years in the making

It all started on Savica. Zdenka Arnautović opened her own daycare, Zvončica , ten years ago, at a time when private childcare in Zagreb could be counted on one hand. She was among the first in the city and still runs Zvončica every working day.

Generations of Zagreb children have passed through her group in those ten years. Parents who met Zdenka once stayed in touch for years after their children started school, so new parents always came by recommendation from friends, neighbours, colleagues. Zvončica's reputation grew quietly, without ads.

Vedran Arnautović grew up in that space and rhythm. When he was ready for his own business, in 2024 he opened Zvonček on Knežija. Same habits, same attention to every child, only a new location.

International families welcome. We currently have two children from international families in the group; communication with parents and children works in English.
300m²
Private fenced yard
100m²
Indoor space, divided into zones
Small
Family-style group of children
2yrs
Operating on Knežija

Our philosophy

What makes us different

The space is the curriculum

The 300 m² private yard isn't a bonus, it's the core of the concept. Children go outside every day in any weather, in a familiar and safe space. The indoor area is purposefully divided into zones.

Small family-style group

Mixed-age group, from the youngest in nursery to preschoolers. Older lead, younger learn by watching. Read more about the group

Structured work plan

The monthly plan systematically covers every developmental area: gross and fine motor, language, creativity, socialization, autonomy and sensory work. See the plan →

Experience + qualifications

The team combines years of experience in the same setting with formal training in early childhood education. The standard is intentionally set above the legal minimum.

Open communication

Daily exchange with parents. WhatsApp group for the daycare, a quick word at drop-off and pickup, reachable by phone throughout the day.

Practical life (autonomy)

Serving food, wiping the table, dressing alone, caring for plants and the space. Practical activities in the Montessori spirit that build independence and responsibility. Parents are often surprised at how quickly their child starts taking off shoes and tidying up at home, on their own.

A rare advantage

We have a male teacher in the group

Male teachers in Croatian daycares and nurseries are practically non-existent, even though developmental psychologists have warned for years how important it is for children to have a male reference figure in the preschool years.

Vedran, owner, regularly with the children

Vedran is with the group throughout the working week, not just occasionally. He runs with the children, fixes things, organizes yard games, and when it is time for the garden, picks up a shovel and works alongside them. The presence of a male teacher in the preschool years is linked to positive effects on confidence, emotion regulation and willingness to engage in risky play, for boys and girls alike (Sandseter & Kennair, 2011).

According to public health data, less than 1% of teachers in Croatian daycares are men. At Zvonček it's part of the daily routine.

Our team

The people behind Zvonček

Three people who care for the children every day, a mix of experience, qualifications and personal touch.

Vedran Arnautović, founder of Zvonček
Founder

Striček Vedran

26 years old · running the daycare since 2024

He grew up alongside Zvončica, his mother Zdenka's daycare. Observed, helped and learned first-hand. Zvonček is his own vision and his own space. He works with the children regularly throughout the week and brings the rare perspective of a man in early childhood care.

Teta Lucija, daycare carer at Zvonček
Daycare carer

Lucija

8 years of experience

She worked for four years at Zvončica, then transitioned together with Vedran to continue the story at Zvonček. She knows the rhythm, dynamics and needs of every child personally. A calm steadiness that children and parents recognize right away.

Teta Ivana, qualified educator at Zvonček
Educator

Teta Ivana

Qualified educator

Leads the main daily activity, tracks each child's progress and notices when someone needs extra attention. Writes the monthly work plan that systematically covers motor skills, language, creativity, socialization, autonomy and sensory work.

What does our day look like?

Now that you know us, take a look at the concrete program — daily rhythm, themed weeks, and monthly plans for parents.

See programme Our group
Zvonček logo

ZVONČEK, OBRT ZA USLUGE

Owner: Vedran Arnautović

Stara Knežija 6, 10000 Zagreb

VAT ID: 84608727881

Working hours

Mon to Fri
07:30 – 17:00

Closed on weekends and public holidays.

Contact

Stara Knežija 6, 10000, Zagreb +385 91 609 9114 [email protected] Facebook Whatsapp
City of Zagreb coat of arms

Monthly fee co-financed by the City of Zagreb.

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