The joy of growing together

The story of the group begins in 2003 with the founding of Amalthée by Frédéric Baudin and Frédéric Chave. From the outset, the company set the mission of supporting businesses and public institutions in the design and implementation of early childhood care projects.

This ambition quickly became a reality. In 2004, a first municipality on the right bank of the canton of Geneva placed its trust in the young company by awarding it a support mandate. In 2005, the Fondation La T’Anières became the first institution to entrust Amalthée with its administrative management. That same year, Amalthée also supported a well-established Geneva-based organization in the opening of its childcare facility.

These initial achievements marked a decisive step in the group’s growth, establishing it early on as a trusted partner, recognized for its expertise, professionalism, and the quality of its support to municipalities and businesses.

Between 2008 and 2012, the group experienced a decisive phase of development that helped shape its identity for the long term. In 2008, the pop e poppa association was established and recognized as a public-interest organization. That same year, the group reached an important milestone with the takeover of its first daycare center in Zurich Altstetten, marking the beginning of its presence in German-speaking Switzerland. From 2009 onwards, it continued its expansion with the integration of a second facility, the Les Lucioles daycare centre in Lausanne, previously operated by Orange Communications.

The years 2010 and 2011 opened a new chapter with the launch of the first daycare centers fully designed and developed by pop e poppa, notably in Bern and Morges. These projects demonstrate the group’s ability to create environments thoughtfully designed to support children’s well-being and development.

This period also saw the formalization of pop e poppa’s core missions, which became the foundation of its quality approach and place the child and their family at the center of every action. In 2012, the network reinforced its pioneering role by introducing the first “eco-friendly nursery” charter, reflecting its commitment to responsible and sustainable childcare.

The years 2014 to 2016 marked a new phase in the group’s development, driven by strategic partnerships and a diversification of its services. In 2014, La Maison Bleue became a partner and shareholder of pop e poppa. As a leading player in the sector in France, also present in the UK and Luxembourg, this partnership aimed to accelerate and support the network’s growth.

In 2016, the group continued its expansion with the acquisition of THKT Familienservice, which operates eight daycare centres in German-speaking Switzerland. This acquisition also enabled the group to broaden its service offering to companies through the integration of the Familizy brand, dedicated to supporting work-life balance.

Bringing together the pop e poppa, Amalthée and Familizy brands under one entity, pop e poppa Familienservice has established itself as a leading provider in Switzerland, serving families, employers and public institutions.

Now part of the La Maison Bleue group, pop e poppa operates more than 80 childcare and early childhood education facilities across eight Swiss cantons, from French-speaking to German-speaking Switzerland. Nearly 1,500 employees contribute to this mission every day, united by a strong conviction: every child deserves a stimulating, safe and caring environment in which to grow and thrive.

Building on this nationwide presence, pop e poppa has established itself as a leading provider in Switzerland, with the ambition to continuously innovate and deliver high-quality services to families, companies and local communities.

At the heart of its commitment, the network supports each child in growing with confidence, feeling comfortable and secure, and developing into a fulfilled and open-minded adult of tomorrow.