FAQ - Pomme d’happy

Who can register at Pomme d'Happy?

Pomme d’Happy is a company-run child care center, open to all children of Philip Morris employees and its affiliates, living in Switzerland.

A determined number of places is reserved for children living in the City of Lausanne. If you live in Lausanne and are not employed by Philip Morris, please contact the BIP (Bureau d'informations aux parents) at 021 315 60 00.

Are there any priorities for admission?

Priority is given to families where at least one of the parents works within a PM entity, based on the employee's status, on the parents' family and professional situation, as well as the date on which the pre-registration form is received. For more information, please refer to the regulation.

Are there any admission fees?

The registration process is free of charge.

Is there any minimal attendance?

A minimal weekly attendance of two half days (20%) is required.

What are the childcare's opening hours?

Pomme d'Happy child care center is open from Monday to Friday, from 7:30am to 7pm.

We kindly ask parents to arrive at least 15 minutes before the the center's closing time so that the educational team can provide a full report of the day.

What are the possible attendance options?

Possible attendance options:

Full day with meal from 7:30am to 7pm
Morning with meal from 7:30am to 1pm
Afternoon from 1pm to 7pm

Arrivals and departures may occur during these timeframes, according to the group's organization.

What is the admission age?

Pomme d'Happy child care center welcomes children from 4 months old until the official school entry age (4 or 5 years old, depending on the month of birth).

What is the childcare daily capacity?

The child care center's daily capacity is of 122 places:

Nurseries: 4 groups of 10 children
Toddlers: 3 groups of 14 children
Preschoolers: 2 groups of 20 children

Are there any closure periods?

The child care center is closed during the official bank holidays of Vaud canton as well as Philip Morris' company holidays.

What is the communication language?

French is the main language. Parents can also communicate with the educational teams in English.

What is the integration period?

Integration is a period of 5 to 10 days, during which both the child and the parents progressively familiarize with the childcare environment. Its duration varies according to the child's age and needs.

For more information, please visit the Pedagogy page.

How is the integration period billed?

The period of integration is invoiced at 50% of the daily rate for the contractual days of attendance up to a maximum of 5 to 10 working days, according to the sector.

What are the daily fees?

The fees take account of the family’s financial situation. The invoiced family contribution is calculated on the rate of attendance indicated in the contract, supplements and deductions. For more information, please visit the Registration page.

Is there any fees reduction if several children of the same family are enrolled?

If several children of the same family attend the child care center over the same period, a 30% reduction will be applied as of the second child.

Is it possible to bring food from home?

For reasons of health standards, no food brought in from outside will be served at the child care center.

Is it possible to request a specific diet?

Religious and cultural preferences are respected and alternative foods are offered whenever possible. In case of allergies, a medical certificate is required.

Is it mandatory to vaccinate a child before the admission?

It is strongly recommended to vaccinate a child spending time in collective childcare facilities.

Is it possible to leave strollers or car seats at the childcare?

A room is available for families.

Is a lactation room available?

Two lactation rooms are available.