40 years at the heart of early childhood care in Manosque
An organisation founded in response to families’ needs, developed jointly by parents and professionals since 1984.
The Collectif Petite Enfance in Manosque, an association under the 1901 law, was founded in 1984 out of a shared observation by both early childhood care professionals and parents: there were few care and support options for families.
Since its creation, the association has been jointly managed by parents, who voice their needs, and professionals, who ensure the quality of care, enabling for constant reflection and development.
Its aim is to foster a sense of community around birth, young children and parenting, by offering early-learning activities and support spaces, meeting spaces and information for parents. Today, the Collectif Petite Enfance takes an active part in local early childhood policy and has built up recognised experience.
In 2024, salaried staff, current and former volunteers, and current and former parents celebrated the association’s 40th anniversary at an event rich in shared moments, meetings, memories and heartfelt testimonies, reflecting the continuing relevance of our work today.
Over 10,000 children have been welcomed since the association was founded!
A collective project that grows with you
The Collectif Petite Enfance is an association with parent-led management, whose main aim is to support parenting and promote the development and wellbeing of young children.
Parents play an essential role: their presence, ideas and feedback constantly shape the association’s development, so that it stays close to families’ real needs, in a spirit of sharing, joint building and co-education. The association is thus driven by a group of parent members and volunteers, brought together on the Board of Directors.
Since it was founded, hundreds of parents have got involved to keep this collective project alive. Today, everyone can find their place, at their own pace. No particular skills are needed: a wish to meet other parents, build connections, break isolation, or simply get to know the team and its work is enough.
Every contribution, even an occasional one, helps keep the association alive and strengthens everyone’s sense of belonging.
Recognised and supported across the area
Our partners and funders
Drawing on its wealth of experience, its presence and its activities in the local area, the association is firmly established and is recognised and supported by numerous institutions.
We are primarily funded by the Municipality of Manosque, the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence Family Allowance Fund and the Agricultural Health Mutual.
Networking is also a core value for the association. We collaborate with the Town of Manosque and its services dedicated to parenting, the DLVA, the Departmental Council, the Maternal and Child Protection Service, the REAAP and the UDAF, as well as with the state nursery schools in Manosque, the toy library, the Manosque media library, the ARI association, the CAMSP, the ESSAIP and ALPE-ACEPP 04, and local associations focusing on early childhood and parenting such as ‘Eclat de Lire’ and ‘De bouche à oreille’. L’Occitane for donations of equipment.
Keen to pass on its knowledge and expertise, the association welcomes interns throughout the year from secondary schools in Manosque, Greta, France Travail and various training colleges specialising in early years care.
Join us as a volunteer
Would you like to get involved with an association in Manosque? Joining the Collectif Petite Enfance as a volunteer means spending time with families, working alongside parents and professionals, helping to organise events, lending a hand when needed (DIY, gardening) or sharing your ideas and skills to improve our work.
No experience is necessary; all that matters is your motivation and your desire to contribute. Every little bit helps in supporting parenting and the early development of young children, and helps to build connections at the heart of the community.
The team that welcomes you
The Board of Trustees is made up of parent members, volunteers and elected representatives chosen at the Annual General Meeting.
It currently comprises:
- Chair: Marjorie
- Vice-Chair: Elsa
- Treasurer: Valérie
- Deputy Treasurer: Maéva
- Secretary: Baptiste
- Deputy Secretary: Raphaëlle
- Members: Cathy, Natacha, Sara, Lucie, Assia.
The Board of Directors meets around five times a year to discuss, debate and make decisions regarding the association’s development. It may also set up ‘committees’ to address specific needs.
Behind the Collectif Petite Enfance lie, above all, hands-on activities, workshops, get-togethers and mornings that are good for both children and parents. Come and find out what we have to offer.