Community care dedicated to early childhood, commonly called crèches, is provided for children until they enter pre-school (i.e. up to the age of 4). Public daycare centers are managed by the city. There are also private establishments or those with public service delegation.
In France, as requests from families often exceed the number of places available, parents are advised to complete the registration process well in advance and to consider several childcare options.
Marseille
In Marseille, requests for places in creches can be made:
- On the site: superminot@marseille.fr; or
- At the family reception desk located at 40, rue Fauchier (2e arrondissement, 13002); or
- Directly from creches, depending on opening times
Commissions for allocating places in creches are organised between March and April for entry into the reception structure in September. Parents will be informed of the commission's decision during the month of April.
Aix-en-Provence
The city of Aix-en-Provence having chosen to delegate the management of public creches to the company “Les Petits Chaperons Rouges”, requests should be made to the chosen reception structure on the following site: www.lpcr.fr
Creches are generally open from Monday to Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. continuously, and you can drop off your baby in the morning from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and pick them up from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Closing periods for annual holidays fall within the calendar planned by the municipal administration (closed at Christmas and in August).
In France, the creche fees to be paid by parents are calculated based on household income. In the absence of a tax notice or tax receipt established by the French tax administration (due to income received abroad), parents must provide a certificate from the employer specifying the income received for the period of taxation.
Establishments administered by a private manager can choose to apply agreed or free rates as well as specific reception conditions. You should inquire directly with the host establishment.
A gradual familiarisation period of 3 to 5 days is available to parents, allowing the child and his family to create bonds and reassuring bearings within their new environment.
Necessary documents
To prepare the admission file, parents must submit the following documents:
- Proof of work or studies (certificate from employer, university registration, etc.)
- Proof of address
- Medical certificate less than two months old certifying that your child can be taken into a creche, provided by the child's treating physician
- Vaccination certificate or health record
- Proof of income
- Family booklet or birth certificate
- Certificate of civil liability from parents with the child's first and last name
- Bank account details (RIB)
Depending on your resources and the number of dependent children, benefits can be requested from your local Family Allowance Fund (CAF).
Researchers employed by Aix-Marseille Université: the SCASC (Common Social and Cultural Action Service) of the university has a network of partners dedicated to community reception in Aix-en-Provence and in Marseille. You can get a place in a creche under certain conditions.
The pre-registration campaign takes place in spring for a creche entry in September.
Marseille
- 1st arrondissement, 3 cours Joseph Thierry: "Amandine et Grenadine"
- 2nd arrondissement, 27/29, boulevard des Dames: "République Dames"
- 6th arrondissement, 53, cours Julien: "Balou 1"
- 9th arrondissement, 170, avenue de Luminy: "Pop Corn"
- 13th arrondissement, 1, chemin des Grives: A.A. Padovani
Aix-en-Provence
"Les facultés", 29, avenue Robert Schuman
Useful websites
City of Marseille :
- https://www.marseille.fr/education/petite-enfance/l-offre-d-accueil-marseille (presentation and operation of early childhood care structures)
- https://www.marseille.fr/sites/default/files/contenu/education/liste-des-creches-et-haltes-garderies-municipales_oct-2021.pdf (list of establishments by districts)
- https://carto.marseille.fr/education?l=layer_poi_creches,layer_poi_assist_maternelles (interactive map)
City of Aix-en-Provence:
- https://www.aixenprovence.fr/Creches-et-structures-d-accueil-de-la-petite-enfance (creches and childcare facilities)
An “académie” is a given administrative district within the French National Education system. France has 18 academic regions split into 30 “académies”. If you live in the Aix-Marseille region, your child’s school will fall within the Aix-Marseille Académie.
In France, school is mandatory from 3 to 16 years old. Teaching is mainly provided by state schools in the public sector or by private schools under state supervision. The school curriculum is the same as it is drawn up at national level. State schools are free with the exception of canteen fees, childcare before and after school and extra-curricular activities. Private schools set their own fees.
The school year starts in September. The school holidays vary depending on the zone in which the school is located. The long summer holidays are the same in all zones and cover July and August. For more information on the current school year calendar, please visit the National Education website.
In the public sector, your child will be assigned to the school in the catchment area for your home. In the private sector, your child can be enrolled in the school of your choice, regardless of where you live.
Support from AMU Euraxess Centre
Please, contact us for assistance with your children’s schooling.
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Pre-school and primary school
To enrol your child in pre-school or primary school, contact your local council (“mairie”). The council will issue an enrolment certificate for you to give to the school headteacher.
Marseille
The enrolment in public pre-school or primary school in Marseille can be made:
- On the site : superminot@marseille.fr ; or
- At the family reception desk located at 40, rue Fauchier ; or
- In a local municipal office from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Aix-en-Provence
Families who wish to enrol their child in a pre-school or primary school in Aix-en-Provence must collect an enrolment form:
- at the family reception desk located at 19, rue Lisse St Louis; or
- at the local town hall
Necessary documents
- identity documents of the child and legal guardian
- the child’s and legal guardian’s birth certificates
- proof of address
- previous school documents if possible
- school insurance and insurance covering extra-curricular activities
Contacts
Public sector: please contact your local council (“mairie”)
Private sector: directly contact the headteacher of the school of your choice.
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Middle school and high school
Before enrolling, your child will need to meet with a guidance counsellor who will set tests to assess their education level. Your child will be assigned to a school and a class suited to their level. The school headteacher will then be your main point of contact.
Necessary documents
- the child’s and legal guardian’s birth certificates
- proof of address
- previous school documents
Contacts
Schedule an appointment with a guidance counsellor by contacting your local CASNAV.
The Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) is a national body that provides family benefits. If you are a foreigner living in France with your family, you may be entitled to family benefits such as:
Eligibility criteria:
- you and your family must be legally residing in France
- your past and current income level
The family benefits simulator shows whether you could be eligible for family benefits.
Necessary documents
- the child(ren)’s birth certificate(s)
- legal guardian’s identity document, residence permit
- proof of address
- tax return
Contacts
- by telephone from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm on 0810 25 13 10
- by e-mail at caf.fr
CLSH (non-board leisure centres), also referred to as day-care centres (“centres aérés”), provide childcare for children aged 3 to 13 on Wednesday and/or during the school holidays. The offer sports and cultural activities, and sometimes help with homework. The rates depend on your place of residence and your income, but are generally relatively low.
The AMU SCASC (Department of Common Social and Cultural Action) provides all staff with social services and access to cultural, sports and leisure activities at reduced rates for them and their families.
For more information, contact us or visit the the Aix-Marseille University intranet.
Necessary documents
- proof of address,
- doctor's certificate,
- civil liability and personal insurance certificate
Contacts
Contact your local council (“mairie”) to enrol in leisure centres.
