As a teenager, Marie-Thérèse Chauveau really enjoyed taking care of children and saw herself as a childcare worker. The eldest of a family of six children, she could not fulfill her dream and entered the clothing business in her town of La Plaine (Maine-et-Loire). She remained there for 24 years, until the company finally closed.
It's time for reconversion. She completed her compulsory training hours to become a childminder at the end of her parental leave, and spent her days looking after toddlers in her home for 18 years. Although she has just retired, she admits that she misses the lack of noise in the house and contact with parents a little.
Other types of care
“When a family told me they were expecting twins, and that I was going to take care of them, remains one of the highlights of my career. I who had always dreamed of having one, my wish was granted”, says TT, as the children call him. This makes us forget the bad sides a little: the odd hours because she sometimes got up at 4:30 a.m.; or knowing how to manage when the little ones are sick. “Once, I had to call a mother back half an hour after arriving at work because her child was inconsolable: he had a double ear infection. »
There were almost twenty childminders in Plaine in 2006 when it started. There are only ten left today. “Childcare methods have evolved, with crèches in particular. In addition, it is not always easy to reconcile professional and private life when working from home. underlines the retiree.
“We don't do anything! »
“When I started, a person from the childminder relay helped to make contracts with families, she continues. This is no longer the case, they have to fend for themselves and it is sometimes a bit of a headache. »
However, she retains good understanding and solidarity between colleagues: “In the event of a problem such as the illness or death of a loved one, we call to find emergency childcare solutions, according to our possibilities and always with the parents' agreement. They entrust us with the apple of their eye, we don't do anything! »
Enjoyed walks
In total, 37 children were pampered by TT, helping them to grow and evolve before entering school. She really appreciated the activities offered by the early childhood relay: crafts, reading but also walks in the surrounding nature to discover animals, alone or with colleagues to encourage exchanges between everyone.
Its approvals remain valid until 2026: “It can be used to help my colleagues…”
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