The year 2026 is starting happily for preschool children whose parents work at the Czech University of Life Sciences. On Wednesday, January 7, the gates of the newly built building for university children´s groups opened on the campus. In addition to the existing preschoolers from Poníček, the modern premises will also serve other interested parties. Representatives of the CZU management and guests from friendly institutions did not miss the opening ceremony. Among them were the architect of the unique project, Radek Dragoun, the designer, Václav Kuchynka, and Jiří Martinek, the director of Division 5 of the KONSIT company, which implemented the construction.
Natural materials, ample light, and enough space for children to feel at ease. Such is the newly completed wooden structure of a modern building adjacent to Dormitory A, where the Poníček children´s group has now moved. It has been offering children of university employees a regime similar to a kindergarten for years. The building will provide its new residents with a welcoming, friendly, and enriching environment for their development.
The European Union financially supported the construction of the children´s group building through the National Reconstruction Plan. Monika Ladmanová, Head of the European Commission Representation in the Czech Republic, explains how the university´s investment fits into this program: “Children´s groups are a suitable alternative to kindergartens. Children gain contact with peers at an early age, and they help parents reconcile family and work life. This benefit allows them to return to work when it is appropriate, which increases the flexibility of the labor market.”
The university will provide its childcare services here through three newly built children´s groups with a total capacity of 66 places for children aged two and over. Each children´s group will have its own facilities in spacious day rooms. Children will have access to structurally separate bedrooms and colorful changing rooms, as well as sanitary facilities and a grassy outdoor area. To strengthen their immune system, they can visit an infrared sauna with a salt wall.
“By expanding the provision of childcare services for employees, the university is following up on more than ten years of operation of the Poníček children´s group, which has been very popular throughout its operation. Children regularly participate in Halloween celebrations, Epiphany caroling, Carnival, the opening of the Employee Sports Games, and many other social activities that bring a lot of joy to our university,” says Alena Vlková, head of the Poníček children´s group.
The new modern building features equipment that ensures both ecological and economical operation. Among other things, there are heat pumps and photovoltaic panels, the output of which is designed to meet the building´s and possibly the premises´s needs. The building meets the requirements for a zero-emission building with almost zero energy consumption. Rainwater is collected on the building´s land and can be used to water the grassy areas.
