Canton of Geneva

The purpose of crèches and nurseries is to accommodate children whose parents need to go back to work at the end of their maternity leave up until the child reaches the age of 4. The child can go to the nursery/crèche part-time or full-time.  The child can also stay in the establishment during lunchtime. The opening hours are usually from 7.00 a.m. - 6.30 p.m. Monday through Friday. They generally close for one week at Christmas and four weeks in the summer.

The staff team consists of professionals in early childhood care who organize various educational activities, look after children and ensure their safety and well-being.

Childcare services

Parents should be aware that places in these childcare centres are limited, often leading to long waiting lists.

The intake/allocation of available places is usually done in April for the beginning of the "school" year, which begins at the end of August. It is very unusual to find free places during the year.

Parents who are looking for childcare are advised to make their application in the commune where they reside first followed by the area in which the parents work, as these are the main criteria used for awarding childcare places.

• In Geneva, the BIPE (Early Childhood Information Office) responds to all applications for childcare facilities. It is both a help desk and a hotline for families. It welcomes parents, gives guidance on the different types of care and registers enrolment applications for all the centres supported by the City of Geneva.  It also allocates places using specific criteria.
• For other communes, childcare centres are the responsibility of the nursery service run by the "mairie" (the commune's town hall).
• CERN is close to the towns  of Meyrin, Vernier and Satigny who have lists and information about their childcare centres and crèches.
• The crèche Scoubidou is the only private nursery in Geneva. Registration is open to everyone without restrictions on place of residence or work. However, priority is given to employees of partner organizations: ILO, EBU, TSR, UNAIDS, PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS.

Costs

The cost for a place in a childcare centre is dependent on both parental income and the number of days attended (2-3 days minimum). For international staff, financial contributions are higher.

• For Geneva, see the fees for day care centres.
• For Meyrin, fees for Crèche et EVE.
• For other communes, check with your "mairie".