In Nantes, a partnership for professionalization

Published on: 24/04/2024Updated on: 24/04/2024

On April 15 and 16, in Nantes, 90 childcare providers simultaneously attended several branch training sessions. This challenge was made possible thanks to the commitment of 4 training organizations from Pays de la Loire, which support the professionalization of childcare providers. The watchwords? Recognition, skills, and securing professional pathways. Here are the explanations.

United for professional recognition

Mobilizing nearly a hundred childcare providers over two days across the four corners of Nantes is an exceptional program implemented thanks to a partnership and hand-in-hand work with training organizations certified by IPERIA: CEMEA, ARIFTS, Pays de la Loire, IP2S Formation et Retravailler dans l’Ouest.

"It is necessary to network across the territory, so it's important that several of us are involved," comments Ghislaine Bartheau, Activity Manager for ARIFTS Pays de la Loire. Her colleague, Magali Fonteneau, Training Advisor, adds, "We are complementary, not competitors," emphasizing the common dynamic driving training organizations working toward employee recognition and professionalization.

"Mobilizing 4 centers simultaneously highlights the profession and helps childcare providers hesitant about training discover that they have much to gain. The barrier is often a negative school experience. We are here to provide a different perspective," explains Sonia Feuillatre, Director of IP2S Formation, who is also a trainer.

Enhancing employee skills

These two training days consisted of 9 fourteen-hour sessions, totaling over 120 hours, aimed at strengthening professionals' knowledge and skills through 4 modules deployed by IPERIA:

Sonia Feuillatre noted the change in perspective of those attending their first training program: "They thought they would view a slideshow, have to write a lot, but learning happens through numerous exchanges and practical exercises." Aurélie Bouvet, a training coordinator for CEMEA, confirms the importance of adapting closely to candidates' expectations and needs: "We offer an active pedagogy, free from lectures, where everyone takes ownership of their own training. And if needed, learners can receive individual support".

Beyond strengthening knowledge, being together in person represents an opportunity, a stimulating meeting: "By coming together during training, professionals create bonds and give new momentum to their activity" observes Stéphanie Leseur, trainer for Retravailler dans l'Ouest.

Among the learners participating in this exceptional two-day session, 35% were attending their first training program, thus discovering new skills and the benefit of exchanging with their peers.

Securing pathways

Those more experienced in training know acquiring new knowledge gives weight to one's status. "This profession has changed, children and parents have changed. Requirements too. We need to update our knowledge," confirms Lineda, who has 11 years of experience. Faced with the evolution of the profession, society, and relationships with children and their parents, this professional has chosen to train regularly to affirm her interest in her profession and those she supports. "It gives us more self-confidence," adds Patricia, who has been a professional for about ten years. It secures pathways and provides skills for perhaps advancing your career in home-based support in the future.

Through training, Lineda, Patricia, and all other professionals strengthen the sector and contribute to providing answers to major societal challenges, such as women's work, work-life balance, support for birth rates, etc.

We are proud, alongside and thanks to our partners, to support professional pathways, inspire career development in home-based professions, thrive, build upon these rich pathways, and enhance them.