For further information contact: Adriana Cardona

Retoñitos is open to children of all CIAT employees at the Center's headquarters in Palmira. We offer a complete maternal–preschool program for children between 2 months and 4 years.

Our services include:

• Highly qualified staff trained in childcare
• Permanent enrolment
• Uninterrupted service during normal school vacations
• Activity program consistent with each child’s stage of development, preferences, and needs
• Balanced nutrition
• Medical and psychological advisory services
• Varied didactic material of excellent quality that provides children with different learning opportunities and space
• Advisory services and administration provided by two prestigious kindergartens of Cali: Michín and Carolina

Advantages include:

• Personalized attention, which guarantees the good care of your child
• Sensitivity and an open attitude toward different nationalities and cultures
• Opportunity to continue to breast-feed your child, with the resulting physical and psychological benefits for the baby and the entire family
• Additional time to share with your child during the trip to and from work and during lunchtime
• Equitable monthly fees equivalent to 10% of the employee’s salary, ranging from a minimum of Col$100,000 to a maximum of Col$400,000; fees are discounted by payroll
• Guaranteed entry to the formal education system

Above all, the Day Care Facility seeks to encourage healthy physical, intellectual, and emotional development in the children under its care. To do so, it has recourse to educational processes that are based on children’s real needs and interests, within a context of respect and loving concern.

A child’s first years are the most important. The care and principles a child receive at this age will be key to ensuring their harmonious development as human beings and a satisfactory relationship with others.

You are most welcome to visit the Day Care Facility located in apartments 401 and 402, facing the CIAT Clubhouse.

"Preparing children for life means allowing them to discover their own potentialities early in life and helping them in their process of self-discovery."

Participants in events, or visiting scientists may use the services of the Kindergarten "Retoñitos", provided they comply with the following conditions:

• Children must be covered by health insurance that can be used in health centers close to CIAT headquarters
• To be admitted, children must be between 2 months and 4 years of age
• The application for membership to the kindergarten must be completed no later than 5 days in advance, to permit confirmation of availability of services (food, strollers, and materials)
• Fees must be paid in accordance with the current daily rate established for visitors

Staff are trained mother craft nurses and can speak both English and Spanish.  The kindergarten is open from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Mondays through Fridays.