Daycare spots available to the university community
Balancing studies, a career, and parenthood remains a major challenge for many families. For students who have become parents, the lack of suitable childcare options can even hinder their ability to continue their academic studies. Recognizing this challenge, the University of Liège has established a partnership with and the nonprofit organization Seconde Peau. This collaboration will lead to the opening, in mid-October 2026, of a new inclusive daycare center with 28 spots, called “Les 1000 mondes,” in the Sainte-Marguerite neighborhood of Liège.
Eighteen spots will be reserved for the babies of ULiège students and doctoral candidates, as well as—depending on availability—for university staff. The remaining 10 spots will be allocated primarily to children from vulnerable families and families living in the neighborhood.
Support for Balancing Studies and Parenting
“Maison Seconde Peau” will bring together under one roof the daycare center and the ONE-accredited Seconde Peau perinatal support service. For 30 years, the non-profit organization Seconde Peau has specialized in providing parenting support to families facing psychosocial vulnerabilities during pregnancy and early childhood.
Care for the babies will therefore be more comprehensive than at a “traditional” daycare center; the childcare providers will receive specialized training, and parents will be supported to help their babies integrate into this childcare setting.
Additionally, specialized support for parents who are students at the University of Liège will enable them to better balance their studies with parenting—a critical factor for their future and that of their babies.
Psychomotor Development and Sensory Exploration
A psychomotor room will provide children with a space specifically dedicated to supporting their motor, sensory, and cognitive development: play and free movement promote the harmonious development of young children. A Snoezelen space is also planned to offer babies additional opportunities for sensory exploration, with a greater focus on relaxation.
PRACTICALINFORMATION
Where: Rue de la Légia 30, 4000 Liège
Hours of operation: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Closure periods will be adjusted according to the academic calendar).
Age groups of children enrolled: Ages 0 to 3, divided into two living areas, with no separation by age group
Fees and financial assistance: based on household income according to the ONE scale
Contact for information and preliminary registration requests: creche@secondepeau.be
The new solid-wood building is constructed on a 500m² lot. It meets Qzen+ (nearly zero-energy) environmental standards and is designed to provide the most comfortable environment for children: high-quality materials, thoughtful layout of living spaces, natural light, and more…
ULiège contributes to the nonprofit’s operating costs in proportion to the number of spots allocated to it within the daycare center, up to a flat-rate subsidy of €100,000 per year.
The partnership with the University of Liège also includes research and training activities focused on perinatal care in collaboration with professors Florence Pirard and Fabienne Glowacz from the Faculty of Psychology, Speech Therapy, and Educational Sciences.
