With 383 places in crèches or multi-reception centers, spread over the perimeter of the Portes de France Thionville agglomeration, the public early childhood service is a heavy link. Deemed essential at the start of the covid crisis, it remained open permanently, including during the most worrying hours of the pandemic. “There were three teams on two establishments, alternating. During the second confinement, we had two establishments open constantly. This is where we started to do parental relay; that is to say, welcoming children reported by social workers in the Department, ”says Martine Girardi, director of the community early childhood service.
Over the months, the reception structures have resumed their usual opening rhythm, but noticeable changes have appeared. “Overall, we have a lower occupancy rate,” says Martine Girardi.
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“A societal change”
With teleworking which has become widespread, many parents no longer have the same childcare needs. “We are seeing real societal change. Parents who work from home organize themselves differently with toddlers. They require fewer hours or even split hours. In addition, the Early Childhood Center has seen an increase in withdrawals due to job loss or forced reduction in working time. “A phenomenon that we do not find at the national level but, here, yes”, continues the director. Finally, the border phenomenon is added: “We do not have statistics on the subject, but it is certain that many workers have their children looked after in Luxembourg. “
In the end, this has a strong impact on attendance at community day nurseries and multi-reception centers. “We are at the point that we are no longer able to estimate the needs,” said Martine Girardi. At the same time, there is the problem of human resources management within establishments. “Before, we needed two children to occupy a place; today, we need three, three and a half … “
During the last seat allocation committee at the end of November, some 200 files were reviewed. Not all of them found a favorable outcome, in particular the requests for contracts that were too short, impossible to absorb in the current work organization. Things could change in the future: the agglomeration community has commissioned a diagnosis, precisely to help build the reception policy for future years.
