12/09/2024
For over 20 years alongside our employees, the Giacomini Nido-Scuola aims to support our staff by offering high-quality childcare services directly on-site.
Giacomini: over seventy years supporting employees
Valentina Giacomini shares the commitment of Giacomini S.p.A. in San Maurizio d’Opaglio towards all its employees:
“In an ever-evolving industrial landscape where human capital is increasingly at the heart of corporate strategies, Giacomini stands out for its visionary approach. Founded in the 1950s, this company in the plumbing and heating sector has always prioritized the well-being of its employees. A tangible demonstration of this commitment was the creation of a company-run nursery school for the children of employees.
This high-quality facility was designed specifically to support our workers. All of our employees bring added value to the company thanks to their communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills, and we believe it’s essential to provide them with the best conditions to fully express their potential.
This facility is not just a simple service, but a symbol of the attention the company gives to the well-being of the families working at Giacomini. Designed with welcoming shapes and natural materials, the Nursery-School (Nido-Scuola Giacomini) is the result of relational architecture aimed at promoting the comfort of children and the peace of mind of their parents. The main goal is to create a positive environment that stimulates individual growth, joy in learning, and socialization. Every detail, from the pastel-colored interiors to the use of eco-friendly materials, is designed to offer children a serene and safe living space.”
Architecture and Systems: Comfort Designed for Children
The Giacomini Nursery-School stands out for the quality of its spaces, which are designed for the physical and emotional well-being of the children. The areas are characterized by soft colors, natural materials, and child-sized dimensions, allowing them to explore their surroundings safely. The choice of systems was no coincidence either: underfloor heating, one of the company’s signature systems, was installed to provide even and natural warmth, allowing children to play on the floor without health risks. This system also ensures a hygienic environment by reducing the circulation of dust and allergens, thus enhancing the overall well-being of all.
A Cutting-Edge Educational Project: The Collaboration with Reggio Children
The Giacomini Nursery-School is not just a physical space but also a place for educational experimentation. The structure collaborates with Reggio Children, an international association from Reggio Emilia that promotes children's rights and potential through an innovative educational approach. The nursery's staff, made up of educators and assistants, has been trained by Reggio Children, which organized internships and training programs aimed at introducing adults to the complex world of childhood.
The approach adopted is not based on a static educational model but on a dynamic system of pedagogical, psychological, and philosophical principles. The educational project is designed to constantly evolve, including not only the children but also their families and social context. A fundamental aspect of this method is active listening and observation, which allow educators to understand the children's interests and develop engaging activities shared with everyone involved in the nursery's life.
Synergy Between Company and Family
One of the elements that makes the Giacomini Nursery-School unique is the synergy between the company, families, and the local community. The Nursery-School was born out of close collaboration between the company management and Reggio Children, which shared guidelines and pedagogical principles from the earliest stages of the project. The facility has become a reference point not only for employees but also for the entire local community, thanks to the quality of service and professionalism of the staff.
The relationship between the company and the nursery is constant and active: Giacomini's management is always attentive to the needs of the staff and the children, intervening when necessary to improve service quality or address challenges related to the increase in enrollments. This continuous dialogue between the company, educators, and parents helps build a strong, shared identity with the common goal of ensuring the maximum well-being of our enrollees.
Nutritional Education and Respect for Diversity
Another central aspect of the Giacomini Nursery-School is the focus on nutritional education. The facility has an in-house kitchen where healthy, balanced meals are prepared according to a diet plan approved by the local health authority (ASL). Special attention is given to the children's dietary needs, respecting any allergies, intolerances, or cultural preferences. Children are encouraged to try different types of food with the aim of educating them about a varied and balanced diet.
A Flexible and Innovative Approach
From an educational perspective, working at the Giacomini Nursery-School represents a continuous challenge for teachers who are constantly testing new approaches. Unlike traditional methods that often follow rigid schemes, the methodology adopted here is extremely flexible and evolves weekly based on the children's interests and needs. This allows for the constant adaptation of educational projects, offering children new tools to face complex situations and encouraging peer collaboration and interaction.
The Value of Women in the Workplace
“In 2021, we were awarded in the ‘Value for Women’ category, a recognition that highlights our attention to both the professional and personal lives of women. The company has always been committed to balancing the work and personal needs of all employees, particularly women. Since the 1950s, we have adopted policies to support this balance, introducing part-time and flexible hours. Today, we continue on this path with smart working."