The establishment of new childcare facilities is underway across France, with various initiatives aimed at improving early childhood care and supporting working parents. The efforts involve acquiring properties for group accommodation and launching innovative daycare programs, significantly adapting to the needs of families.
During the latest municipal council meeting held at Fort-Mahon-Plage, elected officials deliberated over real estate projects geared toward increasing the commune's capacity to accommodate child care services. Following inspections of buildings owned by the congregation of the work of Saint-Casimir, the council reached a principle agreement to purchase these three buildings for €870,000. Mayor Alain Baillet stated, "Once the security work is done, we will immediately have capacity for groups of 70 people." This plan allows the municipality to abandon previous construction projects aimed at enhancing child care facilities.
Historically, the municipality purchased plots on the boulevard for the construction of new facilities. Up until now, building permits had been secured, yet the council unanimously voted to no longer pursue this construction, mainly due to the prolonged timelines and the attractive offers generated by the Saint-Casimir facilities. The decision to sell the acquired plots for the abandoned project is seen as pragmatic, aligning with the community's immediate demands.
Alongside real estate acquisition, the local authority has also introduced the concept of LAPS—an acronym for Lieu d'Accueil Ponctuel et Solidaire (Temporary and Solidarity Reception Place)—created as part of the CAB’s initiative to accommodate young children aged two to three years. Michelle Dorange, the delegate for early childhood and cultural activities within CAB, reflected on past transitions, noting, "The national choice to close temporary daycare centers has transformed crèches to multi-receptions. About ten years ago, the closure of the Bergerac temporary welcome center prompted reflection on adapting services to needs."
The LAPS services focus on offering short time slots, allowing children to come for the morning or afternoon periods only, without provisions for meals or overnight stays. The facilities include one room at the Tom Pous crèche, which accommodates 8 to 10 children on five mornings and two afternoons weekly, during weekdays only. This innovative approach serves as both childcare and support for young parents re-entering the workforce. Michelle Dorange added, "The LAPS is innovative; it facilitates the return to employment for young parents and provides respite for others, adjusting to the needs of the territory."
Already, the CAB has set up another similar location at the crèche Les Cabrioles, which is strategically placed near priority neighborhoods and the France Travail agency. The creation of these facilities stems from community needs and aims to provide significant support for families, particularly single-parent households, which represent one-third of families in the Dordogne region. Dorange noted, "This reception place is not meant to 'put children on standby,' but rather to accompany parenting, serving all residents of CAB, which is quite extensive."
To fund these new initiatives, the first LAPS received initial pushback from the CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales). Following its initial success, the program garnered €65,000 from CAF for its first year of operation, demonstrating recognition of its importance and the utility of its structure. Alongside the CAF funding, contributions of €50,000 from CAB also helped finance the facility's renovations with aspirations to tap the 'innovation fund for early childhood.'
Parents can benefit from these new facilities, especially young parents far removed from employment, those desiring social interactions for their children, or those managing single-parent situations. The benefits span across providing affordable solutions and offering opportunities for engagement and interaction among children.
With these initiatives, France is taking significant strides to bolster childcare options, effectively responding to societal demands and ensuring support for families across regions. For more information about enrollment or details on operational hours, interested parents can call the CAB.