A house for children

Source:
http://www.unipublic.unizh.ch
/campus/uni-news/2004/1137/
Marita Fuchs 09.03.2004

The new Bülachhof crèche has been accepting children since 1 March 2004. They have livened up the house, which accommodates three groups on different floors. In addition, there are group rooms for anyone who wants to wants to dance, do soft-play, handicrafts or pottery.

Marita Fuchs

The Bülachhof crèche from the outside. (Photo: Marita Fuchs)

The second crèche belonging to the Foundation for Childcare in the Zurich University Area (kihz) is called the Bülachhof crèche. It lies between Berninaplatz and the Irchel university campus. The same building is used to house the Bülachhof student hall of residence belonging to the Foundation for Student Accommodation (SSWZ). It was opened back in September 2003. The "House for Children" has been part and parcel of the planning and construction of this hall of residence right from the very start.

Everything at child's eye level in the washroom. (Photo: mf)

The building is modern and bright with lots of windows. The group room looks out at the staircase or at the houses and gardens opposite. The rooms have the right look for children and are furnished in a child-friendly style.

There is a waiting list for infants, although there are still places for older children. (Photo: mf)

Sergio Tassinari, the co-manager of the kihz Foundation, is delighted that the Foundation now has a second crèche offering places in addition to the Hönggerberg crèche. There are a total of 36 places available at the Bülachhof crèche, split into three groups of 12 children. However, there is already a waiting list. According to Tassinari, there are lots of infants on the list, although there are still places available for children aged 2 or over. Priority in terms of places is given to people who are attached to the University of Zurich and to the ETH Zurich. The University of Zurich, the ETH Zurich and Zurich City Council contribute towards the costs. Parental contributions are calculated on the basis of taxable earnings.

Parents accompany their children for a week while they settle in. (Photo: mf)

The children are currently settling in. Generally speaking, their parents accompany them for a week. In addition to the group rooms, the crèche also has a "soft-play room", for example, where the kids can "splash around" in the ball pool and charge around. In addition to a potter's kiln, there is a painting and handicrafts studio available for budding artists. They can also go out into the large garden for some fresh air.

The "soft-play room" – ideal for charging around. (Photo: mf)

Marita Fuchs is an employee of unicom.