Gjekstad Kanvas kindergarten is located on the sunny Østerøya island in Sandefjord and has three departments that house a total of 50 children. The kindergarten has 17 employees, of which nearly 50% have a pedagogical education. Great emphasis is placed on play, language and social relationships, and good routines have been established for preschool children in collaboration with local schools. The kindergarten also has a separate outdoor area for the youngest children, as well as an upgraded outdoor area with new play equipment that was completed in 2022.
As part of Kanvas, Norway's largest non-profit kindergarten foundation, Gjekstad Kanvas kindergarten contributes to improving children's growing up conditions. Kanvas has 66 kindergartens and focuses on creating an inclusive play environment both indoors and outdoors. The kindergarten prioritizes competence development for its employees, and all employees receive regular professional training. In addition, there is a focus on equality, diversity and tolerance, which are central values in Kanvas' approach to kindergarten operations.