Babilou Family, a global leader in early childhood education, has reinforced its commitment to research-based pedagogy with the launch of its Scientific Education Committee. This initiative aligns with the Group’s 2025–2028 strategic plan and strengthens its mission to bring the latest neuroscience and early childhood education research into its nurseries and schools across 10 countries.

Strengthening a Global Commitment to Evidence-Based Early Learning

Since 2022, Babilou Family has advanced major projects rooted in neuroscience and child development. These include the publication of the Sustainable Education® book and the co-organisation of the International Congress on Neuroscience on Early Childhood Education with UNESCO in 2024 - key milestones that reflect the Group’s leadership in evidence-based childcare and early learning development.

As the Group intensifies its mission to nurture children’s curiosity, socio-emotional skills, and confidence, the creation of the Scientific Education Committee marks a significant evolution of Babilou Family’s global approach to research-driven nursery practices and science-informed early childhood development.

Introducing the Scientific Education Committee

The Committee brings together five internationally recognised specialists in neuroscience, psychology, early childhood development, multilingualism, and inclusion:

• Dr. Grégoire Borst, Paris Cité University, France

• Dr. Carmen Dione, University of Trois-Rivières, Canada

• Dr. Angela Low, University of Vancouver, Canada

• Dr. Edward Melhuish, University of Oxford, UK

• Dr. Amalini Simon, APHP, Paris

Designed as an engine for pedagogical innovation, the Committee aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical implementation within Babilou Family’s nurseries worldwide. This includes advancing early childhood education research, supporting families with parenting research insights, and strengthening the professional expertise of educators.

Research Priorities for 2026: Parenting, Multilingualism & Inclusion

The Committee convened for the first time in mid-November 2025 to shape a structured programme of inquiry alongside educational directors from Babilou Family’s ten countries of operation. 

Research will begin in December 2025, focusing on three key themes:

1. Parenting

In partnership with Dr. Angela Low, this study examines how the nursery environment influences parenting behaviours, parental confidence, and family well-being.

Countries involved: Colombia, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Switzerland.

2. Multilingualism

Led by Dr. Amalini Simon, this initiative aims to encourage and support the use of children’s home languages within the nursery setting, enhancing cognitive development, emotional expression, and cultural identity.

Countries involved: United States, France.

3. Inclusion

Under the guidance of Dr. Carmen Dione, the inclusion project explores observational research to deepen educators’ understanding of diverse learner needs and strengthen inclusive practices for children of all backgrounds.

Countries involved: Singapore, Germany, and others.

Through these innovative research pathways, Babilou Family continues to elevate global practices in multilingualism in early education, inclusive learning environments, and family-centred early childhood support.

A Mission Anchored in Scientific Excellence

“We are proud to launch the work of the Scientific Education Committee. This is a major step forward in building a bridge between research and the practice of our educational methods in nurseries. Our ambition is clear: to offer children, parents, and professionals pedagogical approaches based on scientific advances, ensuring the highest level of education for the children we welcome,”

— Christophe Fond, CEO and President of Babilou Family

 

About Babilou Family

Founded in 2003, Babilou Family is recognised as one of the world’s leaders in early childhood education. Operating nearly 1,200 centres and supported by 13,600 early childhood professionals, the Group welcomes more than 70,000 families annually across Europe, the Middle East, South America, the United States, and Singapore.

Through its global early childhood practices and commitment to Sustainable Education®, Babilou Family continues to deliver high-quality care and education grounded in scientific research and evidence-based teaching methods.

Learn more: www.babilou-family.com