FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Twenty answers to the questions parents often ask before entrusting us with their child.
From what age do you welcome children?
We welcome children from the end of maternity leave (around 2-3 months) until they start compulsory school (4 years according to the Vaud calendar).
What are your opening hours?
The daycare is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 to 18:30. Arrivals and departures are staggered to respect each family's rhythm.
Do you accept children from Vevey, La Tour-de-Peilz, or further afield?
Yes, we welcome children from across the Vaud Riviera and beyond. Many families travel from Vevey, La Tour-de-Peilz, Blonay, Veytaux, Villeneuve, Aigle, or even Lutry and Châtel-Saint-Denis. Our immediate proximity to Clarens station (3 minutes' walk) and the Montreux motorway exit makes access very easy.
Which municipalities are most represented among your families?
Our families come mainly from Montreux and Clarens, Vevey, La Tour-de-Peilz and Blonay. We also welcome children from Villeneuve, Veytaux, Saint-Légier, Chardonne, Corseaux, Corsier-sur-Vevey and Jongny, as well as occasionally further afield (Aigle, Lutry, Châtel-Saint-Denis).
Are your hours compatible with commuting to Lausanne or Geneva?
Our 7:00–18:30 opening hours were designed for parents commuting between the Riviera and the employment areas of Lausanne, Geneva or Aigle. We ask families to arrive by 9:00 at the latest and to pick up their child by 18:30.
Are you a private or subsidised daycare?
Au Petit Bonheur is a private institution, authorised by OAJE Vaud. We offer quality, human-sized care with transparent pricing adapted to each family.
How does the settling-in period work?
Settling in takes place gradually over about two weeks. On day one, the child comes for one hour with a parent. Over the following days, time spent at the daycare increases and the parent gradually steps back, up to full days in the second week. This schedule is indicative and always adapted to each child.
What is your pedagogical approach?
Our pedagogy draws on Loczy/Pikler for babies — free movement, relational care, attachment stability — and Montessori for toddlers — autonomy, prepared environment. On top of that, natural French-English bilingual immersion.
Why did you choose French-English bilingualism?
Early bilingualism develops cognitive flexibility and the child's ear. We introduce it through contextual immersion (each adult consistently speaks one of the two languages), rhymes and rituals — with no performance pressure.
How do you handle food allergies?
Allergies are taken very seriously: double-checking of meals, kitchen signage, individualised action plans signed by the doctor, team trained in adrenaline auto-injector use if prescribed.
My child is not vaccinated. Can you still welcome them?
Vaccinations recommended by the FOPH are strongly encouraged for collective health. Documented medical contraindications are respected within the legal framework. Each situation is discussed at the admission interview.
What happens if my child is ill?
A child with fever (>38°C) or contagious symptoms (gastro, purulent conjunctivitis, chickenpox, etc.) cannot be admitted, in line with FOPH exclusion protocols. We call parents if symptoms appear during the day.
How does naptime work?
Babies sleep on demand in the calm room, respecting their own rhythm. Toddlers have a collective nap between 12:30 and 14:30, with no pressure: a child who does not sleep can rest quietly with a book.
What are your team's qualifications?
Our team includes ES-qualified early childhood educators, ASE CFC socio-educational assistants and auxiliaries, supervised by a qualified director. All follow ongoing training and are trained in paediatric BLS-AED.
How many children do you welcome in total?
Our capacity is defined by our OAJE authorisation, with strict adult/child ratios by age group, ensuring individual attention. Full details are shared during your visit.
Is there a garden?
Yes, we have a secure garden for the daily outing, and we regularly organise walks to Lake Geneva, 5 minutes away on foot.
How does communication with parents work?
We favour morning and evening handovers, complemented by a notebook or digital tool for babies. Annual interviews with the key worker and group parent meetings are organised.
What if my child cries a lot at drop-off?
This is a normal reaction, especially at the start of settling-in. The team accompanies the child kindly, offers their comforter, calls on the key worker. If distress persists, we contact the parents.
Do you welcome children with disabilities or special needs?
Yes, within the limits of our capacity, in coordination with specialist services (SESAF, paediatricians, therapists). Each situation is reviewed individually with care.
How do I enrol my child?
The easiest way is to fill in our online pre-enrolment form. We will then offer you a visit of the daycare, followed by an admission interview with the director.
How much does the daycare cost?
Our fees are public and a simulator is available on our Pricing page. We offer a 20% discount from the 2nd child enrolled from the same family.
Are you closed during school holidays?
The annual closure calendar is communicated each year. It includes closures around the end-of-year holidays and during the summer. Up-to-date details are available on request at aupetitbonheur.garderie@gmail.com.
How does the transition to school work?
The last year of daycare gently prepares the child for school: valuing autonomy, group instructions, language. We organise a farewell ritual and, with your agreement, a handover to the receiving school.