Claire's story: when running a day nursery becomes a lonely battle
Running a micro-nursery is often a human adventure, as beautiful as it is complex.
For Claire (not her real name), manager of four micro-nurseries, this adventure turned into a real ordeal.
Today, she speaks out to break the silence and remind us of the reality of a demanding profession: that of managing a childcare facility.
🌱 A vocation put to the test
" I chose this job out of passion," says Claire. " I wanted to create a caring environment for children and their families. "
But in early 2024, everything fell apart: a trainee sent the PMI a logbook describing serious incidents within a facility.
Without informing management, she alerted the authorities directly.
When Claire was summoned, she discovered the unthinkable: hurtful comments, inappropriate gestures, use of personal telephones...
Behavior contrary to all early childhood values.
" That day, I realized that children had experienced situations that I hadn't been able to see. "
🚨 Unacceptable facts in a place of welcome
The reports mention several worrying trends:
- Humiliating comments to children (" You're heavy ", " Look at the wall, it'll listen to you better ").
- Use of personal telephones while on duty.
- Sharing images of children on social networks.
- Meals taken in front of the children, outside the authorized framework.
- Inappropriate comments about families, made in their absence.
These situations, some of which were confirmed by the professionals concerned, left Claire deeply distressed.
⚖️ Act fast, despite loneliness
Faced with these revelations, Claire reacts immediately:
- Team meetings,
- Daily monitoring of operations,
- Reorganization of schedules,
- Consideration given to the use of internal cameras to ease tensions.
But despite her investment, she finds herself isolated.
" I was alone in carrying the weight of others' faults, alone in managing parents' doubts, alone in defending the structure's image. "
Some employees quit, others went on sick leave.
Parents are worried, criticism is mounting and trust is crumbling.
💬 The little-known role of the crèche manager
The job of a crèche manager is often perceived as administrative, when in fact it's all about people.
Managing a team, supporting families, protecting children, ensuring regulatory compliance: it's a delicate and demanding balance.
Claire emphasizes:
" We talk a lot about the well-being of professionals, and it's essential. But who looks after the well-being of managers? "
Her experience illustrates the emotional and moral pressure many care managers are under.
In the face of distress, there are few places to listen, and even fewer to support.
🧠 A system to rethink
Beyond individual faults, Claire denounces a system that provides poor protection:
- Unclear procedures,
- Sometimes hasty medical decisions,
- Lack of coordination between early childhood stakeholders.
"Some professionals have been declared unfit for work, only to be rehired elsewhere. How can we guarantee children's safety under these conditions?"
His message is clear: we need to rethink prevention and communication in the sector, to prevent other managers from experiencing the same loneliness.
💗 A call for recognition
This testimonial is neither a complaint nor a settling of scores.
It is a call for understanding, for recognition of a demanding profession, and for the need to create links between the various players: managers, teams, families, institutions.
" I'm not looking for sympathy. I just want people to understand the complexity and responsibility of our profession. "
💬 At Kidizz, communication is at the heart of the parent-professional relationship
Claire's story highlights a fundamental need: to communicate, exchange and share best practices in order to restore trust.
This is precisely the mission of Kidizz.
With its app dedicated to nurseries, schools and childcare facilities, Kidizz facilitates day-to-day communication between parents, educators and managers:
📲 secure exchanges,
🧩 child development monitoring,
💬 team enhancement,
🤝 transparency and trust.
Because a clear, caring dialogue is the best response to misunderstandings, Kidizz supports professionals in a quality, listening approach.
💡 To remember
- The job of nursery manager is a key, often isolated role.
- Internal communication and respect for the framework are essential for collective well-being.
- Tools like Kidizz help avoid misunderstandings and strengthen the bond of trust between families and professionals.