The Foundation of “Les P’tits Mouss”

In Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, the maternal assistant house (MAM) known as “Les P’tits mouss” convened its general assembly on March 17, 2025, highlighting the growing pressures on this vital community resource. Established in 2018, with Angeline Gauger as a founding maternal assistant, and later joined by Fabienne Montaigne in 2020, the MAM provides care for nine children, starting from just two and a half months old.

Mounting Challenges: A Perfect Storm

The dedicated childminders at “Les P’tits Mouss” are facing a confluence of challenges that threaten their ability to provide quality care. These include rising operational costs, deteriorating facilities, and perceived insufficient support from the local municipality. These issues are not unique; manny childcare providers, especially in rural areas, struggle with similar difficulties. According to a 2024 report by the National Association for the Education of Young children (NAEYC), approximately 60% of childcare centers in rural communities operate on razor-thin margins, making them particularly vulnerable to unexpected expenses or funding cuts.

Infrastructure Concerns and Financial Burdens

The physical condition of the premises,owned by the town hall,is a significant concern. The childminders report issues such as drafts from ill-fitting windows, loose baseboards, and pest infestations. These problems not only impact the comfort and safety of the children but also pose financial burdens on the MAM.

Adding to their financial woes, the childminders lament the increase in rent and the imposition of a household tax, collectively amounting to an additional €1,102.32 annually. This financial strain forces them to dip into their own wages to cover operational deficits, reducing their income by approximately €200 each month.

At the end of August, four of the children will join the neighboring school. We will need new registrations to maintain the MAM. The premises belong to the town hall and they deteriorate, like the cold and the wind which pass through a window. In addition,plinths take off and ants have appeared … we have young children, it is indeed unfeasible to put a toxic product of course.

Fabienne Montaigne,Childminder at “Les P’tits Mouss”

The lack of space for storing and maintaining toys is another pressing issue. While grateful for donations from parents, the childminders struggle to accommodate new items due to spatial constraints. Furthermore, the responsibility for maintaining the grounds surrounding the MAM has become a point of contention.

The Municipality’s Viewpoint

in response to these concerns, Charles de Valavieille, the mayor of Sainte-Marie-du-Mont, offered clarifications. He emphasized the municipality’s commitment to supporting young families through the MAM, describing it as an important investment linked to the local school. The mayor disputed the reported rent increase, stating that it was only €24.13 per month between 2024 and 2025,tied to mandatory construction costs.

De Valavieille also pointed out that the MAM was approved for three childminders and twelve children, suggesting that the current staffing level is a matter of choice. He further clarified that, as tenants, the childminders are responsible for maintaining both the interior and exterior of the property, including lawn care and waste disposal fees.

The mayor highlighted the municipality’s past investments in the facility, including window and frame replacements in 2022, costing €10,146.67, and a pending request for a heating system upgrade, estimated at €20,568.96. He concluded by stating that it is unfair to suggest the town is not supportive of the MAM.

Parents Advocate for Support

Parents whose children benefit from “Les P’tits Mouss” are vocal in their support of the facility and its crucial role in preparing children for school. Camille, a mother whose child transitioned from the MAM to the local school, expressed her frustration with the perceived lack of support for the childminders.

It is thanks to the MAM that our children are preparing to then enter the public school located 20 meters. Make no gesture to relieve the constraints of maternal assistants, we cannot understand it.

Camille, Parent

Fundraising Efforts and Future Outlook

To address their financial challenges, “Les P’tits Mouss” is organizing a lottery on May 18th. The success of this fundraising effort will be crucial in sustaining the MAM’s operations and ensuring its continued service to the community. The situation underscores the need for sustainable funding models and collaborative partnerships between childcare providers,municipalities,and families to ensure access to quality early childhood education and care,particularly in rural areas.