Toddler care at 't Veldmuisje
Nothing is more exciting than going to school for the first time! The toddler care at ‘t Veldmuisje helps your child with a smooth transition to kindergarten. Because all our locations are in or near elementary schools, your toddler will already get used to the environment, the teacher, and their new classmates. From the age of 2, toddlers learn useful skills for school through play. This includes sitting in a circle, putting on their own coat, and playing together. And just as importantly: listening to the teacher.
At all locations, we work with the Uk&Puk program, where the Puk doll takes the children through themes such as the weather, celebrations, and family. In a playful way, Puk stimulates language skills, motor development, and social skills, among other things. This way, we connect with the toddlers’ world and make learning fun!
What is toddler care?
Toddler care at ’t Veldmuisje takes place at our toddler care locations (formerly known as playgroups). Here, toddlers aged 2 to 4 are prepared for elementary school.
Here, we encourage children in their development as preparation for kindergarten. We focus specifically on aspects that you can’t practice at home, such as being part of a group, getting used to listening to a teacher, or sitting in a circle.
In addition, we monitor the children’s development. Where necessary, we stimulate language skills, social-emotional development, and motor skills, for example. We also work on independence. For instance, children learn where to hang their coats and where to leave their lunchboxes.
Toddler care always takes place in or next to an elementary school. This helps the toddlers get used to the environment. They also regularly play together with the kindergarteners—their future classmates. As soon as the toddlers move up to kindergarten, the pedagogical staff member ensures a warm hand-over to the teacher.
VVE – A good start for all toddlers
All toddlers are welcome at our toddler care. For children who could use extra practice, we also offer Early Childhood Education (VVE). All our pedagogical staff are specially trained for this and guide toddlers in an inspiring way. The youth health center (consultatiebureau) determines which children are eligible for this.
Opening hours
Toddler care is open several mornings a week until 12:15 PM. At some locations, extended care until 2:30 PM is possible. Very convenient if older brothers or sisters are already in school!
The locations are open 40 weeks a year. We are closed on national holidays and during school vacations. We follow the vacation schedule for the South region. Check the location page for exact opening hours.
Contribution toward toddler care costs
There are several ways to receive a contribution toward the costs of toddler care.
– Childcare allowance: Do both parents work or study? Then you are entitled to childcare allowance.
– Toddler allowance: Parents who are not entitled to childcare allowance can apply for toddler allowance through the municipality of Maasdriel. This way, every child gets a good start at elementary school.
– VVE indication: Has your toddler received an indication for Early Childhood Education (VVE) through the youth health center? Then they will attend toddler care for 16 hours a week. You will receive a regular invoice for the first 8 hours, which can be partially reimbursed through the schemes mentioned above. The second 8 hours are paid for by the municipality of Maasdriel.
9 reasons to choose toddler care at 't Veldmuisje
- Playing together: Your child learns to interact with peers and gets to know future classmates.
- Independence: Your toddler gets used to being away from their parents.
- Learning through play: Group games and activities stimulate social skills.
- Unique toys & materials: There are plenty of educational games that you don’t have at home.
- Smooth transition to school: The toddler care is located in or near an elementary school, so your toddler already feels familiar with the environment.
- Broad development: From language and motor skills to creativity and social skills—everything is covered!
- Expert guidance: Our pedagogical professionals are well-trained and receive continuous support from an experienced pedagogue.
- Convenient opening hours: Aligned with school hours, and at some locations even until school lets out. Handy if older siblings are already going to school!
- Extra attention where needed: Developmental milestones are monitored closely so we can provide support in time (for example, through VVE).