Supporting early childhood education professionals in the network with sustainable development initiatives (Eco²crèche certification)

Colline Acepp is a regional association founded in 1990, serving as the umbrella organization for the ACEPP (Association of Parent-Professional Childcare Cooperatives). It acts as a network bringing together nonprofit, community-based, and cooperative early childhood care facilities and services

The Origins of the Éco²crèche Program

Supporting early childhood professionals within the network in their sustainable development efforts through the implementation of the Éco²crèche program designed by Colline Acepp.

Sustainable development is not just about recycling or sorting waste, or “eating organic”; it is also a “way of conceiving development that respects the collective interest, combining the equitable development of societies with environmental protection.” This concept is built around three pillars: the environment, social issues, and the economy.

Nonprofit early childhood care centers (EAJE), even though they are sensitive to environmental issues, children’s well-being, and the environment in which children grow up, still face challenges in implementing daily practices that support sustainable development. These practices are beginning to take shape, but they are not effectively communicated to families, or they remain isolated initiatives without being integrated into the facility’s educational program. This is why, in 2012, Colline Acepp launched the Éco²crèche project.

What kind of support can we offer?

Through networking among stakeholders and the sharing of experiences, Éco²crèche also offers support for implementing initiatives and organizing training sessions. The goal is to foster reflection and analysis, and to identify the levers for putting eco-friendly practices into action.

Support can take several forms: 

• Raising awareness among teams to identify the principles of sustainable development and what “eco-friendly actions” are, and to promote them so they continue;
• Assessing current eco-friendly practices through a needs assessment and promoting them;
• Planning actions, involving staff and parents in the decision-making process;
• Implementing these actions by supporting the organization for as long as necessary through an action plan;
• Implement training for professional staff, parents, and volunteers.