“FLORA” Pilot Project: A New Chapter in Inclusive Education for Preschool Children
Starting February 2025, the “FLORA” pilot project will take root in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. This innovative initiative,launched by the adult and youth protection service (SPAJ),aims to ease the transition into school for allophone children or those with limited experience of separation from their parents. By offering tailored support,the project seeks to create a nurturing habitat that fosters harmonious integration into the compulsory school system.
A Holistic Approach to Early Education
The FLORA project is designed to address specific needs identified during cantonal consultations. It targets preschool children who lack sufficient mastery of French, have not attended extra-family care structures, or have minimal experience of separation from their parents. The program’s primary goal is to provide a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment that prepares children for their educational journey.
This initiative stands out for its global approach, combining educational, social, and family objectives. Its core mission is to support children, their families, and the education system, fostering a more inclusive and cohesive society. Key objectives include:
- Facilitating integration before school entry to develop social skills and prevent isolation.
- Equipping parents with facts about the school system to better support their children.
- Preparing children for a smooth transition by easing separation from parents.
- Promoting French language immersion to naturally develop language skills.
- Ensuring equitable access to an inclusive educational environment.
- Reducing challenges for first-year teachers by preparing students in advance.
Tailored Support for a Seamless Transition
The FLORA pilot project will run for three years, integrating children into extra-family care structures in La Chaux-de-Fonds. Funded by the canton, the program offers 50 places annually, welcoming children twice a week for five months before they enter compulsory school.
to ensure accessibility, sessions are scheduled during low-attendance periods (Wednesday and Friday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.), ensuring no disruption to regular care structures. The program’s personalized approach addresses each child’s unique needs, considering their French language proficiency and personal circumstances.
“With FLORA, we want to offer an adaptation stage before entering the 1st year so that children can start school in the best possible conditions,” explains Sophie Neuhaus, youth delegate for the Canton of Neuchâtel. “Our project focuses on equal opportunities for all children. For some, it will be a first experience of separation from their parents, for others it will be about learning the basics of the French language.We also want to allow their parents to become familiar with the school system.”
Empowering Parents and Building Partnerships
A dedicated “parents” section, developed in collaboration with EPER (Parents Space), will provide essential information about the school system. This initiative aims to strengthen parents’ roles as educational supports and foster a sense of partnership with teachers.
The FLORA project is a collaborative effort involving the City of La Chaux-de-Fonds and EPER. If accomplished, the program could expand to other regions of the canton, offering quality support to more families.
A Symbol of Growth and Fulfillment
The name FLORA is inspired by the flower, a symbol of growth and fulfillment. Just as a seed blossoms under nurturing care, every child thrives in a supportive environment. The project embodies this metaphor,providing a framework for children to grow,flourish,and succeed.
| Key Highlights of the FLORA Project |
|—————————————–|
| Launch Date: February 2025 |
| Duration: 3 years |
| Capacity: 50 places annually |
| Schedule: Twice a week for 5 months |
| Focus: Inclusive education, language immersion, parental support |
| Partners: City of La Chaux-de-Fonds, EPER |
The FLORA project represents a significant step toward inclusive education, ensuring every child has the possibility to thrive. By addressing the unique needs of allophone children and their families, this initiative paves the way for a brighter, more equitable future.
