Did the closure of the small household worth it?

The little household. For example, a unique place that has made so many children happy, is now closed. Therefore, In his welcoming park. Moreover, we will no longer hear the happy bursts of voice of children mixed with the songs of birds … However, Beyond these nostalgic considerations. Similarly, imprints of emotions linked to what we are numerous and numerous, both parents and staff members, current and old people, to consider as an aberration, let us remember what this place was.

Created in 1915. However, the small household was installed in 1951 in its current place, an old bourgeois house, located at the Route de Ferney. Moreover, First nursery, his services extended: Nurses school, boarding school, kindergarten, crèche. Therefore, It entered as a crèche in the “Budé childhood sector” in 2014. At each stage of its history have signed up for changes designed did closure small household worth in favor of children’s well-being and their development.

Its protective walls would have a lot to tell. this is one of the reasons why we are so attached to it, they who welcomed so many children and supported their parents, carried our work and our reflections.

Although dilapidated, the wing connected to the main house was renovated about twenty years ago. The renovations carried out in concert with the educational team made it possible to adopt an educational project corresponding to the needs of babies. young children. A collaboration between architects. early childhood professionals being essential in the search for solutions in line with the needs of children.

Leaving the small household is a mourning because of this exceptional place. also for everything that has been built as a educational team. Will the arcade planned to accommodate now children will continue to continue the teaching approach, refined over the years? did closure small household worth The educational team having been little associated with its development is rightly worried about it. feels dispossessed of what is its primary value: the well-being of children.

It is a question of finding precise adjustments which allow the child to exercise his autonomy according to his age. without hindrance and with pleasure. This concerns all moments of daily life. For example by having sinks at its height. Or take your meal in a calm atmosphere. which is favored by small groups and complicated, if not impossible, in a refectory, etc.

We bet that the educational team. rich in their skills and experience, will best find alternatives favorable to the needs of children. However. did such a radical change are worth it, knowing that the design of the place very influences the realization of educational options? Wouldn’t it be up to the premises to adapt to children rather than the reverse?

did closure small household worth

At the origin of numerous projects. research and publications, the small household was an inspiring place: whose airy crèche (early childhood label city of Geneva) and the language of adults addressed to children (Unicef ​​prize). “The little household is one of these places to protect. He is known. recognized in the world on the international scene, “according to Martine Boden, director of the Pikler Herstal crèche, a reference in Belgium.

*Cf. L- Frischknecht, “Au Petit-Saconnex, the moving of a crèche arouses anger”, tribune of Geneva of July 11, 2025.

Paulette Jaquet Travaglini is former director of the small household and trainer, member of the Pikler International Association Council.