Le Jardin des Particules in a few dates

In the early 1960s, a group of volunteer parents of CERN staff created a child care structure that allowed them to leave their children three half days a week.

In 1969, a first agreement was reached between CERN and the Staff Association, which defined the obligations and responsibilities of each of the parties. In premises next to the current entrance C, the Staff Association becomes the employer of a few part-time workers who look after the children. Pa…

In 1977, as the structure grew, new premises were made available to the Staff Association and a new agreement was signed on 19 July 1977.

In the mid-1990s, the Kindergarten (former name of the structure) was made up of a daycare centre that accommodated children from 2.5 to 3.5 years of age, in the morning 2 to 3 times a week, and children from 3 to 6 years of age per day, but no canteen service. The structure has grown, it has about …

In 2009, to meet a strong demand, a canteen service was set up. Also in 2009, a reform of primary education in Switzerland made school compulsory for children aged 4 by 31 July. Discussions are taking place with the Department of Public Instruction (DIP) in order to be able to requalify our staff.

In 2012, the opening of a crèche to better meet the growing demand of parents.

In 2015, the establishment of a 4-week summer camp opened in July to accommodate up to 40 children from 4 to 6 years old.

Since 2018, the kindergarten has become Le Jardin des Particules – nursery and school of the Personnel Association of CERN. Today, Le Jardin des Particules welcomes around 100 children, grouped by age, favouring the reception of children of all nationalities: the nursery for children up to 4 years o…