MiniCentro

 

The "Mini Centro" nursery is a social and educational service for children aged between 3 months and 3 years who need daytime care outside the family for various reasons: both parents need to work, single-parent families, special needs of the child who needs to be placed in a community with other children of the same age. On request, children aged 4/5 are also accepted if, for various reasons, they are not immediately enrolled in nursery school.
The facility is authorized by the Lfam, is open approximately 240 days a year, and can accommodate 20 children from the region. The institution is non-denominational and apolitical.
The fundamental principles that inspire the nursery's educational and pedagogical project are:

• attention to the child and respect for individual growth rhythms
• recognition of the child's needs and resources
• constant dialogue between the family and the educational staff
• providing a safe environment in which children can experiment, express themselves, find their bearings, develop autonomy, and form social and emotional relationships

 

Room for little ones (3 to 12 months)
The space is divided into two rooms. A small room with cribs and single mattresses, "the sleep room." A space with a changing table in one corner with personalized lockers, a soft corner for the little ones, a desk for adults, and a cabinet with toys.

Playroom.
It is divided into various corners. The playhouse corner, where children can experiment with symbolic play (ironing, cooking, dolls, strollers, etc.), a reading corner with cushions and books where children can sit and leaf through them and look at them, a toy car and garage corner, a dress-up corner, and a building corner.

Movement and sleep room
There are lots of play materials, a shelf with a radio and CDs, sleeping mats, and a chest of drawers containing sheets and blankets. During the day, various materials are used, such as balls, scarves, ropes, hoops, etc. In this room, motor activity is prioritized, giving children the opportunity to climb up and down, run, jump, dance to music, etc. This room is also used for naps, and each child has a mattress and bedding marked with their name.

Dining room
There is a cupboard containing everything needed for lunch (crockery, bibs, etc.). A cupboard with small dividers containing all the materials needed for play and creative activities and table games. A blackboard, tables, and child-sized chairs. This room is used for snacks, lunches, afternoon tea, table games, and manual activities.

The bathroom
There is a changing table, cabinets with baskets for changing clothes and diapers (individual), three sinks with mirrors, and a shelf for toothbrushes. Two toilets, one child-sized, allowing them to be independent. A washing machine. A small storage room for cleaning products and materials. A first aid kit. In the bathroom, children can play with water.

Kitchen
The kitchen is fully equipped for the preparation of all meals served to the children. State-of-the-art appliances and tools allow the cook to prepare fresh and wholesome food. Every year, our kitchen is inspected by the cantonal food safety authority.

Terrace
Our terrace measures 60m2, 50 of which are covered and therefore usable in all weather conditions. The space is divided into two areas, one specially designed for babies, while the second is more suitable for older children. In summer, children can enjoy the swimming pool installed on the terrace: in winter, the same pool is filled with colored balls and can therefore be used in all seasons. There are several games suitable for children on the terrace.

The activities offered are designed for both individuals and small groups, taking into account each child's motivation and respecting their individual pace. Recreational, creative, expressive, and musical activities are offered.

In particular:

Free play on the terrace
This is a time for sharing, where children sometimes learn to be with others, whether younger or older.

Shapeless materials...
...such as sand, water, flour, shaving foam, salt dough, pouring, plasticine... marks a truly important stage in the development of a child's creativity; with these elements, they have the opportunity to create something that did not exist before. These activities satisfy many of the child's cognitive, motor, and expressive needs.

Graphic and pictorial activities
Painting is a natural game for children, an opportunity to express themselves freely.

Small cooking activities
Cookies, cakes, pizza, fruit salad...

Collages

Songs and music
We dedicate a moment every day to singing games and songs, giving this activity a time and place that encourages children's attention, a sense of protection, and calm.

Reading and storytelling

Symbolic play
Children develop a growing ability to use their imagination and words to imitate what they have observed.

Walks and trips to the playground