Our History

In 1912, the main building was constructed as the first school for the blind north of the Dovre mountain range in Norway.

In 1947, the National Association of Parish Care established the institution Barnevernsinstituttet as a joint initiative of the congregations. The purpose was, and still is, to provide preschool/kindergarten teacher education based on Christian values.

In 1954, HM King Haakon VII presented the school with a gift letter, which included Queen Maud’s Memorial Fund. This allowed the school to acquire its own property (the old bishop’s residence in Trondheim, Bispegata 9A) and established Queen Maud’s Scholarship Fund. At the same time, the school’s name was changed to Barnevernsinstituttet Dronning Mauds Minne. Certain obligations accompanied the King’s gift letter.

In 1960, Barnevernsinstituttet Dronning Mauds Minne became an independent foundation.

In 1973, Diakonissehuset in Oslo joined the Board of the college to ensure it could continue as an independent foundation. Diakonissehuset guaranteed the school’s operating budget. At this time, the school had an urgent need for more space, having long relied on rented premises across the city, in addition to the building in Bispegata.

In 1975, the property Dalen was purchased by Dronning Mauds Venner (Friends of Queen Maud), and the school moved there in 1976 after extensive renovations. A separate Property Foundation (Stiftelsen Dronning Mauds Minne) was established to manage the buildings and property, while the college remained an independent foundation with its own board. The college’s foundation contributed a significant amount toward the property purchase.

On July 1, 1981, the school changed its name to Dronning Mauds Minne, College of Preschool Teacher Education (DMMH). The college has its own statutes and board. Today, the board consists of 10 voting members, including 2 representatives from the staff and 2 student representatives.

The college has gradually received substantial state funding. By the 1980s, state support covered 90% of its costs. Since 1991, the college has received what national authorities define as 100% state funding, with additional rent subsidies approved by the ministry. The college manages its own accounts, but financial reports are submitted to the ministry and the Office of the Auditor General for approval. Since 1994, rent subsidies have covered loan repayments and renovations.

In 1985, DMMH partnered with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) to offer a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. The college also collaborated on a Master’s in Special Education and a Master’s in Subject Didactics and Vocational Pedagogy. Today, DMMH continues to collaborate with NTNU, allowing staff to participate in PhD programs. The college has maintained academic cooperation with NTNU’s Department of Religious Studies for many years and, more recently, with the Department of Art and Media Studies.

In 1994, the college inaugurated a new building of approximately 2,300 square meters. At the same time, the main building underwent extensive renovations. Before this could happen, DMMH took ownership of the Dalen property from the Property Foundation (SDMM), which was dissolved in 1994. The college acquired the entire 30.5-acre property.

In 1997, DMMH celebrated its 50th anniversary.

In 1998, a new building of approximately 1,000 square meters was completed.

In 1999, DMMH was designated a national competence center in early childhood education, meaning the college serves as a national resource center in this field.

That same year, DMMH established the Network for Preschool Teacher Education and Kindergarten Development in Southern Africa.

In summer 2005, DMMH purchased Frøset Farm. Outdoor activities and nature-based learning for children are a strategic focus area for the college. The farm’s primary function is to provide practical training for DMMH students.

In November 2005, the college received an award from the Ministry of Education for its efforts in recruiting more men into early childhood education. DMMH was the first college in Norway to achieve over 20% male first-year students.

In 2007, the college celebrated its 60th anniversary, with a focus on children’s sense of belonging.

In autumn 2008, DMMH was accredited as a university college.

On January 1, 2013, the college changed its name to Dronning Mauds Minne University College for Kindergarten Teacher Education.

On January 1, 2014, DMMH’s address changed from Thoning Owesens gate 18 to Thrond Nergaards vei 7.

On February 17, 2015, the college inaugurated Astrid Vatne’s Building, a 4,000-square-meter facility housing offices, group rooms, classrooms, and specialized rooms for aesthetic subjects.

In 2016, DMMH launched its first independent master’s program – Master’s in Kindergarten Leadership.

In 2017, the college expanded its master's programs, offering:

• Master’s in Early Childhood Knowledge – Childhood in a Changing Society
• Master’s in Children’s Culture and Arts Education
• Master’s in Special Education with a Focus on Early Childhood

Later in 2017, DMMH celebrated its 70th anniversary.

In 2019, the college launched a new bachelor’s program in Kristiansund: Kindergarten Teacher Education with a Focus on Leadership.

In 2022, DMMH marked its 75th anniversary with various events throughout the year, including:

• A gathering for children at Trondheim’s city square
• An open campus day
• A jubilee event attended by Crown Prince Haakon

DMMH is one of Norway’s oldest educational institutions in its field. The college is highly respected for its academic excellence and strong traditions in children’s culture, childhood studies, and pedagogy.