Supporting Your Child’s First Big Step
If your child is currently attending a crèche in Geneva, you may be starting to consider what comes next. Around the age of two, many families begin to look beyond childcare and think about early education. That’s when the question often arises: should we stay in crèche or move to Pre-school?
At this stage, understanding the difference between the two options is essential. While both environments support young children, their goals and daily experiences are quite different, and those differences can shape your child’s growth during these crucial early years.
WHAT IS A CRÈCHE? A crèche provides loving care and supervision for infants and toddlers, generally from the age of three months to around four years. It’s a space where children follow a daily rhythm of meals, naps, and play, guided by professionals trained in childcare and early development. In Geneva, crèches are common and often supported by local communes, making them accessible and flexible for working parents.
The focus of a crèche is on nurturing and safety. Children are encouraged to explore through free play and simple group activities. While there is valuable social interaction, crèches are not primarily designed for structured learning or academic preparation. For very young children, especially under the age of two, this type of environment provides comfort and routine while supporting families' daily needs.
WHAT IS A PRE-SCHOOL? Pre-school, also known as école maternelle in France or école enfantine in Switzerland, is where education really begins, but through play and discovery. Designed for children aged two to six, Pre-school offers a more structured environment focused on school readiness. Children are grouped by age and guided by educators who specialise in early learning.
At Collège du Léman, our Pre-school introduces children to the world of learning in a joyful, bilingual setting. Our unique curriculum is tailored to early learning and follows a play-based yet intentional framework that helps children develop language, social skills, creativity, curiosity and emotional confidence. It is based on the UK’s International Early Years Curriculum (IEYC) with elements of the French Education Nationale programme. Classes are offered in English, French, or in the bilingual track, allowing families to choose the linguistic path that best fits their home life or future schooling plans in Primary.
Each day at Pre-school includes age-appropriate academic exploration, physical movement, creative expression, group interaction, and nap time when needed, all delivered in a warm, supportive atmosphere that respects each child’s individual rhythm.
WHY MAKE THE TRANSITION AT AGE 2? Many families in Geneva begin to consider switching from crèche to Pre-school when their child turns two. At this age, children become more communicative, curious, and eager for new challenges. They begin asking questions, forming friendships, and showing signs of readiness for more structure.
Pre-school supports this natural progression by introducing routines and learning activities that stimulate development while building self-confidence. It’s an environment where children don’t just play, they begin to understand, imagine, problem-solve, and prepare for the world of formal schooling. For families interested in international or bilingual education, Pre-school also lays the foundation for success in later years.
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE THE BILINGUAL PRE-SCHOOL AT Collège du Léman IN GENEVA At Collège du Léman, we offer the best of both worlds: the warmth and security of a crèche, combined with the structure and ambition of a high-quality early bilingual education. Our Pre-school is a place where children feel safe, joyful, and inspired to learn, in both English and French.
From PS0 through PS3, we provide age-appropriate learning that nurtures curiosity, builds confidence, and prepares each child for a seamless transition into Primary school. Our environment is designed to support not only academic development, but also emotional growth, creativity, and social skills, all within a close-knit, international community just minutes from the heart of Geneva.
Families choose us because they’re looking for more than a Pre-school. They’re looking for a place where their child can grow, be seen, be supported, and be encouraged to explore the world with confidence. We believe that every child deserves an inspired start to their educational journey, and at Collège du Léman, we’re proud to provide just that.
Located just outside Geneva on a beautiful lakeside campus in Versoix, our Pre-school offers:
- Bilingual learning tailored to each child
- Small class sizes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere
- Extended care options to support busy families
- Seamless progression into our Primary school.
VISIT US AND DISCOVER MORE Choosing the right moment to transition from crèche to Pre-school is a personal decision. If your child is ready to take that next step, we invite you to discover what makes our Pre-school so unique.
We’d love to welcome you for a personal tour of our campus, introduce you to our teachers, and show you how Collège du Léman can help your child begin their educational journey with confidence, care, and curiosity.
