Or how to get involved in a real adventure labyrinth... Family organization requires a good knowledge of early childhood structures, coupled with a talent for balancing.

That's it, baby's on his way for a 9-month journey, during which Mum will devote herself with love and wonder to preparing his cosy nest, thinking about his name and, above all, family organization... And family organization means enrolling in a childcare childcare facilities. There are several options open to you:

• Espace de vie enfantine or public or private crèche: 16 weeks to 4-5 years
• Kindergarten: ages 2 to 4-5
• Family day care, also known as maman de jour: from 16 weeks to 4-5 years
• One-off and/or emergency babysitting: from 16 weeks to 4-5 years old
• Day nursery: 15 months to 4-5 years

Another option (which we'll develop in another article) is a live-in nanny, from birth to 4-5 years, or an au-pair.

So many childcare options, but how do you find the right one?

In this article, we take a look at the various alternatives and steps to be taken in the Geneva region, where it is unfortunately very difficult to find a childcare solution. For your information, there is currently a shortage of between 4,000 and 5,000 crèche places.

In Geneva, you can apply for enrolment in a public crèche using the BIP (Bureau de la Petite Enfance) form, subject to the following conditions: from the ^12th week of pregnancy, with a certificate of pregnancy, the latest payslip (or company balance sheet if self-employed), unemployment benefit statement or certificate of current studies. We strongly recommend that you do this as soon as possible, especially in Geneva, as the waiting list is long. You can also enclose a copy of the lease you've signed before moving in, to confirm your arrival and get on the list. Don't forget to reactivate your application every 6 months. If you're looking for a day-nanny, the town has a list of approved childminders.

For childcare outside the city of Geneva, we advise you to apply via your local commune. This will direct you to the childcare solutions available in your area (crèches and day-care centers). Please note that www.genevefamille.ch provides addresses of day-care associations (mamans de jour):

• Left bank: Koala
• Right bank (Bernex - Avully - Avusy - Cartigny - Chancy - Laconnex - Soral - Aïre-la-Ville) : Le Couffin
• Bellevue, Collex-Bossy, Pregny-Chambésy, Genthod, Versoix, Céligny, Grand-Saconnex: Supernounou
• Bardonnex - Carouge - Grand-Lancy - Perly-Certoux - Plan-les-Ouates - Troinex - Veyrier : Accueil familial de jour Genève sud-ouest (AFJ GSO)
• Meyrin - Vernier - Satigny - Dardigny : AFJ-MVM
• Confignon - Onex - Petit-Lancy : RHÔNE-SUD

As a first step, we advise you to check with your employer to see if he or she offers any specific solutions. Some employers are willing to contribute to childcare costs. Your HR advisor will be the best person to answer any questions you may have.

On the occasional babysitting front, theGeneva Red Cross's Red Riding Hood enables families to request emergency babysitting, and Pro Juventute's Mary Poppins offers time slots from 7am to 7pm.

Valentine Caporale's testimonial about the Red Cross childcare service

With so many choices when it comes to looking after your little one, it's important to think about the schedule you'd like to set up in relation to your working hours. Not all facilities offer long working days, and hourly rates can also vary widely. You will also need to take into account any closures and vacations. Finally, if you have a relatively large home and several children, it may be worth considering hiring an au pair (ideal for school-age children). She'll look after several children at the same time in the same place, and will certainly relieve you of various child-related domestic tasks.

All avenues should be explored in parallel. Don't hesitate to ask a friend, a neighbor or even the nearest playground for a chat. MotherStories is also at your disposal to discuss and help you define the best alternative for you according to your needs. Don't forget that our network of moms is particularly active, supportive and caring. 

Thanks to Céline Racine for this article, which introduces the subject of childcare solutions in the Geneva region. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Find out more about private and public schools in our blog post.

Céline Racine
Working Mom, 1 daughter aged 4