"Maman de jour": a flexible and affordable childcare choice for your children

Welcome to our series of articles dedicated to different childcare solutions!

In this second article, we focus on the "maman de jour" (also call "accueil familial de jour"). These maman de jour are typically women aged 20 or older who care for one or more children in their own homes.

To practice this profession, the caregiver must obtain authorization issued by the Youth Protection Service in Vaud ("Service de protection de la jeunesse") or the "SASAJ" in Geneva, after meeting several requirements, such as attending an interview, having their home evaluated, undergoing a medical check-up, and completing first aid training.

This authorization is granted for a limited period and is renewed every one, two, or three years. It specifies, among other things, the age and number of children who can be cared for. (Source: https://www.ge.ch/devenir-accueillante-familiale-jour)

Generally, a maman de jour can only care for one infant at a time, the other children cared for must be older.

In most networks, maman de jour are employed by the municipality. However, in Geneva, they work independently. Details regarding maman de jour in the municipality of Geneva can be found below.

Families interested in this type of care must register with their local network, with the exception of the municipality of Geneva. Waiting lists vary in length depending on the municipality, so it’s recommended to contact the network directly for more information.

Like subsidized daycare centers, fees for maman de jour in the canton of Vaud and other municipalities in Geneva are subsidized and calculated based on the family’s income. This care solution can be more affordable than daycare, depending on the network and/or family income. Furthermore, it is generally easier to secure a place with a maman de jour than with a subsidized daycare center.

Let’s now look at the specifics of this childcare option in the municipality of Geneva:

In Geneva, all authorized maman de jour are independent and set their own rates. To contact them, families should reach out to the BIPE in Geneva (https://www.geneve.ch/fr/bureau-information-petite-enfance), which will provide a list of contacts and addresses for each maman de jour. Rates vary from maman de jour to maman de jour but are generally around CHF 10-12 per hour, plus meal fees (about CHF 4-5).

Advantages of this childcare option:

• Maman de jour are trained and licensed by the canton.

• Care is more personalized than in a daycare center, as the maman de jour only watches a few children (typically only one infant).

• A family-like environment conducive to children’s socialization.

• A more flexible option than daycare.

• Less expensive than private daycare.

• Easier to secure a place than in a daycare center.

Disadvantages of this childcare option:

• Maman de jour generally offer fewer stimulating activities than daycare centers.

• Children are cared for in the maman de jour’s home, which may not suit everyone (housing size, hygiene standards, etc.).

• Parents cannot choose the maman de jour, except in the municipality of Geneva.

According to testimonials and our experiences, if you choose this childcare system, it isn’t always easy to find the right person for your child. Parents may find it challenging to entrust their baby to someone they don’t know, especially in the maman de jour’s own home.

However, also according to testimonials and experiences, if you select this system and find a suitable maman de jour, it can truly be a fantastic childcare solution. Families who are happy with their maman de jour have noted that daycare centers can’t compare to the warmth and personalized attention provided by a competent maman de jour!

FamilyPro Sàrl - Work-Life balance - advice and solutions for families www.familypro.ch - info@familypro.ch - 022 313 08 72