Improving childcare services and early childhood policies for sustainable and inclusive cities

La Rochelle aims to expand and improve its early childhood services – part of efforts to attract young families, and slow the area’s trend towards an ageing population. The city offers a mix of public, associative, private, and home-based childcare options for 69% of local 0-3 year-olds, with an information centre for parents. However, La Rochelle faces challenges in meeting rising demands for collective childcare, enhancing childcare conditions, and improving staff training and wellbeing.

La Rochelle turned to experienced peer city Reggio Emilia for advice and best practices, particularly valuable in light of its ongoing childcare service reforms.