Intergenerational crèche in Montussan, a project to meet the needs of children and seniors

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The concept of an intergenerational crèche makes it possible to bring together two age groups in need. Indeed, in intergenerational crèches, children meet seniors and share moments of exchange and conviviality. This rather innovative concept is developing more and more. It meets the needs of these two age groups, which are nevertheless opposed. It must be said that individuals of the first and third age have points in common. They both have basic social needs that can sometimes be difficult to meet.

Intergenerational crèches to meet the needs of both ages

According to the 2019 Early Childhood Economic Barometer, the field of early childhood includes no less than 4.5 million children, including 2.2 million children under the age of three. Among this age group it should be noted that 60% of children are cared for by parents, family or relatives. If sometimes this is a personal choice, one child out of two is still cared for by his parents for lack of solutions. Indeed, still according to the 2019 barometer, 350,000 children would not have places in nursery. In order to overcome this difficulty, the government has undertaken to increase the number of places in reception institutions. In 2019, according to the DREES, there were 421,000 places, an increase of 2.5% compared to the previous year. However, despite the increase in places, the difficulties in finding a place in a crèche continue.

In Bordeaux, 40% of requests for places in crèches can be met. Families who cannot find a place for their children must therefore turn to other solutions. They use babysitters, childminders or have to fend for themselves. At the same time, another age group suffers from a lack of solutions to overcome age-related difficulties. These are seniors. Thus intergenerational crèches can be a solution.

Indeed, seniors face social isolation. Nationally, 1 in 4 seniors is in isolation. Isolation is a major problem for these people. They are then deprived of social ties and simple pleasures to live in a framework of well-being. Faced with this context, Astrid Parmentier and Pauline Faivre decided to act. For this, the two women opened their 2nd micro-crèche. Tom&Josette, was born in Montussan in May 2021 and is aimed at young children and seniors.

Crèches intergénérationnelles séniors enfants
Seniors and young children have things in common at two distinct ages.

A concept that is implanted in the living spaces of seniors

Thus, Tom&Josette is an intergenerational crèche that meets the needs of seniors and young children by offering services adapted to both age groups. The principle of the micro-crèche is to take place in the living spaces of the elderly. Micro-crèches are therefore being set up in nursing homes or residences for autonomous seniors. By bringing together young children and seniors, micro-crèches meet two essential objectives for the lives of these people. They allow seniors to age in the best possible conditions and they allow children to grow up to respond to fundamental social problems. Thus, the meeting of children and seniors brings positive synergies.

As an intergenerational micro-crèche Tom Josette allows the reception of 10 children ranging from 2 months and a half to 3 years. They are supervised by 4 early childhood professionals. The particularity of Tom&Josette is to promote living together with seniors rather than cohabitation. More concretely, it sets up moments of exchange between seniors and young children. Thus, several times a week, children and residents of nursing homes participate in activities adapted to their ages. They meet and build during readings, pastry workshops, gardening or snacks.

Thus, by responding to social issues, in intergenerational micro-crèches are born beautiful encounters rich in meaning. If everything seems to separate young children and seniors in the end, it is not and these individuals have a lot to offer.

Sources:

“Intergenerational micro-crèches in Montussan (Bordeaux) – A project at the crossroads of two major societal issues: the offer of collective childcare and the social isolation of seniors” Tom&Josette, press release of 15 December 2021

The increase in the offer of collective care for children under 3 years of age continues in 2019” DREES Solidarité Santé, Press release of 09 July 2021

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