15 September 2025
(This article was originally written in German.)
From A to Z, here we present what makes our work in the Maisons Relais & Crèches so special. Each letter corresponds to a theme that inspires and enriches the daily lives of our teams.
A – Age
The nurseries we manage offer high-quality childcare services for children aged 3 months to 4 years who are not yet in school. In our daycare centres (‘Maisons Relais’), school-aged children aged 3 to 12 are supervised and cared for by specialised educators.
B – “Bildung” (education)
The educational framework for non-formal education forms the basis for the educational work in our crèches and Maisons Relais. The aim is to offer children a wide range of learning opportunities in these structures that promote their development. The focus is on the competent child, who has a wide range of skills and interests. The plan is based on seven areas (e.g. creativity, language, motor skills, participation) that ensure the quality of the educational processes and serve as a guideline for our educational work.
C – Creches
The Red Cross currently runs eight crèches across Luxembourg. Our services help to promote work-life balance, social inclusion, the prevention of difficult living conditions and integration.
D – Diversity
Diversity is part of everyday life at our childcare facilities: children, families and employees bring with them a wide variety of languages, cultures and experiences. We see diversity as a strength – and create spaces where everyone is seen, heard and respected.
E – “Elternarbeit” (work with parents)
Good care is best achieved through dialogue with parents. In our nurseries and crèches, we focus on open, appreciative cooperation with parents. Whether it’s spontaneous conversations, parent meetings or joint projects – for us, working with parents means practising partnership in the best interests of the child.
F – “Funktionsraum” (activity room)
The activity room is a deliberately designed area in our facilities where children can develop their fine motor skills, creativity and independence (e.g. through crafts, building and role play). Accompanied by the teams, the children make their own decisions and act according to their stage of development. This room is an integral part of the room concept and is constantly being adapted.
G – “Gemeinde” (municipality)
In collaboration with local authorities, childcare centres/nurseries help to provide childcare locally and meet the needs of families. The local authority provides the necessary infrastructure, fits out suitable premises and ensures adequate personal and financial support. Together with us, the operators of these facilities, and the local authorities, the childcare provision is continuously developed to guarantee quality, accessibility and compliance with educational standards.
H – “Hospitationen” (observation in a professional setting)
In our establishments, observations (or ‘observation placements’) may take place – these serve to guarantee the quality of our educational work. Educators have the opportunity to observe other Red Cross childcare centres or nurseries in order to gain inspiration and see how educational work with children is carried out in practice. In this way, we learn from each other and develop our practices together.
I – Inclusion
Our structures include integrated services for children with a migrant background or international protection status (Accueil Integré & SAT service). In addition, our teams work according to educational approaches such as Emmi Pikler, respecting each child’s individual pace of development. Multilingualism and appreciation of the children’s native languages and cultures are also specifically promoted.
J – Jobday
The Red Cross regularly participates in the Jobdag in the field of education, as we are always looking for motivated staff who are ready to put children first and support them in the best way possible.
K – “Kinderrechte” (children’s rights)
Les droits de l’enfant sont essentiels pour un environnement d’apprentissage non formel bienveillant et sécurisé. Ils renforcent la participation, la protection et le développement individuel des enfants, et sont donc activement mis en pratique dans notre quotidien pédagogique.
L – LOFT
The two LOFT (Lokaler Familientreff) facilities run by the Red Cross in Strassen and Stadtbredimus offer families a place to get together in a friendly atmosphere and chat. Parents, grandparents and all other family members can find support here – whether through advice, themed activities or group events – regardless of whether their children attend the after-school care centre or not.
M – Maisons Relais
The Red Cross currently operates a total of 16 Maisons Relais, which are spread across the country. In these facilities, we lovingly care for children and encourage their independence. Our services create a safe and relaxed environment in which children can move freely, learn together and develop trust – without pressure, but with attention and support.
N – “Neugierde” (curiosity)
Curiosity is the driving force behind child development. In our nurseries and after-school care centres, we create spaces where children can ask questions, discover and try things out – each at their own pace.
O – Open workshops
Open workshop activities form the basis of our work at the Maisons Relais, where children can choose their activities independently. The teaching staff ensure that children are offered a comprehensive package that meets their needs and interests. The range of activities on offer is constantly being expanded with innovative projects (iPad, peer mediation, etc.).
P – Pikler
Emmi Pikler’s educational approach is at the heart of the work we do in our nurseries. It promotes early childhood development and respects each child’s individual pace. This helps children learn to move around confidently and independently. A relaxed environment also encourages concentration and social behaviour. There is no pressure – instead, we provide guidance and observation.
Q – Quality
Quality is our top priority: in our facilities, we ensure the well-being and development of the children with qualified specialists, loving care and modern concepts. Further training and open communication within the team guarantee that the care provided remains at the highest level.
R – “Rentrée” (back to school)
With the start of the new school year on 15 September, the Maisons Relais and Crèches are coming back to life. Many thanks to our dedicated teams who accompany the children every day – and make each day a little more colourful. We wish all children, parents and our staff a great start!
S – School
Our after-school care centres bridge the gap between school and leisure time – here, we lovingly look after the children before and after school and encourage their development through play. In our nurseries, we create a safe and loving start to life so that every child can start school with joy and self-confidence.
T – Team
Our teams are at the heart of Maisons Relais and Crèches: with dedication, compassion and expertise, they create a loving environment in which children can grow and flourish. Every employee contributes to making children and families feel safe and welcome in our facilities.
U – “Unterstützung” (support)
Our facilities offer valuable support to children and families – whether it’s getting the day off to a good start, after-school care or individual needs.
V – “Vergrößerung” (expansion)
This school year, we are delighted to welcome a new crèche in Ernsdorf, which will provide space for lots of little explorers. Further crèches are planned for Niederanven and Dippach in 2026, enabling even more families to benefit from our services. Our infrastructure is growing, ensuring high-quality childcare throughout Luxembourg.
Z – “Zesummen aktiv“
“Zesummen aktiv“ is an initiative that brings children together through playful exercise – with each other, with educational staff, with clubs or with LASEP. The platform offers specific activities for integrating exercise into everyday childcare routines – in line with the national framework plan.