Frequently Asked Questions
What are you looking for?
Method & Vision
What is the group structure like at the childcare center?
We work with ‘horizontal’ groups. This means that at each location, there are groups with children of approximately the same age: a baby group and a toddler group. This way, children are encouraged to learn from each other, and childcare professionals can offer activities tailored to their developmental level. Playing with peers provides a sense of calm and encourages children to continuously progress from their own level. In the baby group, we care for children from 0 to 2 years old. The toddler groups consist of children aged 2 to 4 years.
What is the group structure like at the preschool?
Care at the preschools is possible from 2 to 4 years old. Naturally, all groups operate from the same pedagogical vision and based on the same pedagogical policy plan.
What is the group structure like for after-school care?
In the BSO (after-school care) group, we care for children aged 4 to 13 years. Naturally, all groups operate from the same pedagogical vision and based on the same pedagogical policy plan.
How many childcare professionals are in a group?
We adhere to legal guidelines, including the staff-to-child ratio regulation (BKR-regeling). This regulation determines the required ratio between the number of professionals and the number of children in a group. This ratio depends on the number of children in a group and the age distribution within the group, and it can vary per location and per group. The GGD (Dutch Public Health Service) has established fixed guidelines based on this regulation (which we follow) and monitors compliance.
What is your vision on childcare?
We do not work from a single existing pedagogical vision. We combine principles from various approaches that appeal to us. At our childcare center, the playing child is central. By playing in a safe and familiar environment, children can develop optimally. We stimulate play by engaging the child’s natural curiosity in a rich learning environment.
How do I know if my child feels comfortable and is developing sufficiently?
Because every child is unique in disposition and nature, they will develop in their own way. We guide and support the child by observing how they develop and, where necessary, we will try to stimulate them. Good observation is of great importance here.
We therefore consciously approach observation and the identification of problems:
- Where necessary, we complete observation forms. These help us map out the child’s development and well-being. Based on these observations, a parent meeting can take place.
- In addition to these observations, we also pay daily attention to the well-being and development of the children. If we notice something, we will observe more closely and specifically. We then discuss this with the parents of the child concerned.
- Within ‘t Veldmuisje, we have access to a professional pedagogue who, based on her specific expertise, provides oversight and advises our childcare professionals and parents.
What are the qualifications of your staff?
All our childcare professionals possess:
- at least an MBO (vocational education) level 3 diploma in the Care/Welfare sector
- a first aid diploma and an emergency response (BHV) certificate
- a certificate of good conduct (VOG)
In addition, for our childcare professionals at the preschools, the Early and Preschool Education (VVE) ‘Uk en Puk’ training is mandatory.
We believe it is important to support our employees in developing their knowledge and skills. We facilitate this through courses, workshops, and training, and work with an individual training plan that is updated annually.
Registration
My child(ren) are already cared for by 't Veldmuisje, and I'm pregnant again. How do I register this new sibling?
Congratulations! Of course, your next child is also very welcome with us. Even though we already have your details, we ask you to complete the registration form entirely for this new enrollment. Your next child will receive priority for placement, but unfortunately, we cannot guarantee a spot.
How do I register my child?
Registration can only be done via the application form on our website. Registrations made in other ways will not be processed. We aim to send you a confirmation of registration within three working days of your application.
Are there registration fees associated with enrollment?
Registration for childcare and after-school care is completely free and non-binding. We also do not charge registration fees for preschool care.
Are there cancellation fees if I want to terminate the registration before placement?
There are no costs associated with canceling the registration. However, we would appreciate it if you let us know as soon as possible if your registration will be canceled so that we can keep our waiting list up-to-date and make offers to parents who genuinely need a spot. Registration cancellation can be done via info@t-veldmuisje.nl.
Does registration guarantee a placement?
No, registration does not guarantee placement. We do our utmost to place your child, and we advise you to register your child as soon as possible to increase the chance of placement.
My child already attends daycare/preschool; do I need to register them for after-school care?
Yes, even though we already have your details, we ask you to complete the registration form entirely when transitioning to BSO (after-school care). We advise you to register your child for after-school care in this manner when they are around 2.5 to 3 years old. After registration, you will receive a confirmation from us.
Can I specify a preference for a group or a location?
We set high standards for our childcare professionals and our locations. Our employees work with great love and passion every day to provide your child with a pleasant and familiar environment. For example, they all hold at least an MBO (vocational education) level 3 diploma in the Care/Welfare sector, have a first aid diploma, an emergency response (BHV) certificate, and a certificate of good conduct. Our employees meet all requirements, and we are happy to go the extra mile to create a pleasant and safe environment. When registering, you can indicate your preferred location on the application form. For childcare and preschools, you can choose from multiple locations. In addition, we offer after-school care at various locations. If we offer after-school care at your child’s school, it is only possible to choose that specific after-school care location. We do not provide transportation to other locations. It is not possible to indicate a preference for a specific group or staff member. Based on your registration, we determine the best placement for your child.
Waiting List
Is there a waiting list?
Currently, we have a waiting list for the childcare center. This means that immediate placement is not possible. We understand that this can be inconvenient and do our best to find a suitable alternative together. As soon as there is no immediate placement possibility, we will place your child on the waiting list, and you will receive a confirmation.
How long will my child be on the waiting list?
It is difficult to give an estimate because placement depends on many variables. Children move to other groups or other forms of care, leave ‘t Veldmuisje, or attend fewer days: there are all sorts of reasons why new opportunities regularly arise. As soon as we see an opportunity for your child on the waiting list, we will contact you.
If my child is on the waiting list, can they get priority?
We work with a priority system. Siblings of children already placed with us and children of our employees receive priority for placement. After that, children already placed with us who wish to add an extra fixed day or swap days receive priority.
In some cases, it is in our interest to give priority to a child who has been on the waiting list for a shorter period. For example, because that placement ensures that the occupancy of a group reaches the desired level.
For example: if a spot becomes available on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and we have an application for exactly these days, that application takes precedence over an older application for only Monday or Monday and Friday.
As soon as a spot becomes available that meets the request, we will, of course, offer it. In some cases, we also come up with an alternative proposal.
Extra Care, Service Hours & Study Days
Occasionally I need extra care, how do I arrange that?
We call this incidental care, and you can request it via the parent portal. The planning staff will check if there is availability on the desired day(s), and you will receive confirmation approximately 2 weeks (at the latest 1 week) in advance. Incidental care is only possible if you have a fixed contract with us.
School study days, how does that work at 't Veldmuisje?
The elementary school provides an annual calendar each year, which we receive from the school administration in August. This calendar lists the pre-planned study days. We send a message well in advance (approx. 6 weeks) announcing an upcoming study day or day off, for which you can register your child. Care will proceed with a minimum of 4 registrations and based on available staff. If the request is approved, costs will be charged for the requested extra time from that moment on.
How do the service hours work?
As of July 1, 2023, we are working with service hours for childcare and BSO (after-school care).
For preschools, we work with swap days.
If you cancel on time in the Konnect parent app, you build up credit that you can use at a later time.
You can cancel your child at any time of the day, even on the day itself.
If you cancel your child yourself for the next day via the app before 0:01 AM, you will receive service hours.
Service hours are valid from 30 days before the canceled day to 30 days after the canceled day (no guarantee of placement).
When you cancel a school day, these compensation hours can only be used for another school day and not for a study day or holiday. Similarly, a canceled holiday can only be used on another holiday, and a canceled study day can only be used on another study day.
How does swapping a part of a day work?
Requests for incidental swap days are always processed through the Central Office and are only possible if your child has a placement at the Preschool. For childcare and BSO (after-school care), service hours apply.
Swap requests can be made up to a maximum of 2 months in advance and must be submitted by email to the Central Office at least two weeks before the desired swap date. Swaps can only be made within the same week, the week before, or the week after the original care day. Swaps are allowed a maximum of once per month. It is not possible to swap official holidays.
How does structurally changing a contract work?
Structural requests for changes to day parts can be made via the central office. If there is availability and no other children on the waiting list have priority, the request will be approved. In all other cases, a waiting list spot will be created. Upon approval, a new placement agreement will be sent. After signing the placement contract, the swap is final.
Can my child also be cared for at a different location than stated in the contract?
During holidays, quiet days, study days, and in some other cases, it may happen that children are cared for at a different location. We always inform you in advance. The care locations are always ‘t Veldmuisje Childcare locations.
Invoicing & Costs
What are the costs for care?
We apply a fixed monthly price based on the agreed number of care days per week. We calculate the monthly amount by working backward from an annual amount based on 52 weeks. The final annual amount is proportionally divided over 12 months. As a result, the same monthly amount is invoiced each month, even though the number of care days per month may vary. You can calculate what the costs will be in your situation using our calculation tool.
Can I calculate what the care costs will be?
Yes, you can. Use our calculation tool for this.
Do I pay the same amount if I place multiple children?
Yes, the rates for a second/subsequent child are the same as for the first child. However, for a second or subsequent child, as a parent, you will receive proportionally more childcare allowance via the Tax Authorities.
Do I pay the same amount every month?
Yes, in principle, because we work with an annual calculation of all costs, which we then distribute evenly over 12 months. This way, the monthly amount is the same every month, regardless of whether a holiday falls within it or not. This clarifies the amount you will be invoiced monthly. However, the total monthly amount will differ if you take extra day parts. These extra day parts will be listed separately on the invoice.
Please note: for preschools, invoices are also distributed evenly over 12 months. So, 40 weeks are calculated and divided over 12 invoices.
Because we collect one month in advance, the first invoice is for 2 months. We aim to send the first invoice earlier so that you do not receive two invoices at once.
If I pick up my child earlier, do I pay less?
No, we invoice for the hours for which the contract was concluded. It is often thought that it would be “cheaper” if only the actually utilized care hours per day were charged. This is not correct. Invoicing based on hours not only leads to higher hourly rates but also to a decrease in the number of annual hours eligible for childcare allowance. Ultimately, you would pay more net.
You are always welcome to pick up your child earlier if you wish. We appreciate it if you let us know in advance so we can take it into account.
When are extra days of care invoiced?
If extra care has been utilized (which is care in addition to the care agreed upon in the contract), this extra will be charged. The extra care utilized will be listed separately on the invoice.
Do I have to pay if I cancel extra care?
Cancellation of requested extra care will not be charged if the 2-week cancellation period has been observed. For cancellations within 2 weeks before the extra care day, the care will be charged.
Where can I find my invoice?
You can find all sent invoices under the account section in the Konnect parent app.
Childcare Allowance
Am I entitled to childcare allowance?
To receive childcare allowance, you must meet certain conditions. You can read these conditions on: www.rijksoverheid.nl/onderwerpen/kinderopvangtoeslag.
How do I apply for childcare allowance?
You can apply for childcare allowance through the Tax Authorities. They determine whether you are eligible for childcare allowance and the amount you are entitled to. Via the Tax Authorities website, you can make a trial calculation to see if you, as a parent, are entitled to childcare allowance.
To make the trial calculation, you will need information. Use our calculation tool beforehand to gather this information. You are responsible for applying for the allowance yourself.
I can't find my annual statement, now what?
Annual statements are sent once a year by email (usually in February).
After that, you can find them in the Kidskonnect parent app under the account section.
My child attends preschool; am I also entitled to childcare allowance?
The conditions for receiving childcare allowance are listed on the Tax Authorities website. Our Preschools are registered with the National Register of Childcare (LRK) and have an LRK number. If you meet the conditions for receiving childcare allowance, you can apply for it through the Tax Authorities.
If you are not entitled to childcare allowance, you may be entitled to municipal allowance (preschool allowance). Ask your municipality about this or refer to this folder from the municipality of Maasdriel: preschool allowance folder
Introduction & Welcome
Can I/we come for a visit?
You are very welcome for a tour! During this tour, you will see how we provide care for your child and what our location and facilities look like. You can make an appointment for a tour via our website.
Is there an introductory meeting before care begins?
Yes, after the signed placement contract has been received by our administration, the management of the location where your child will be cared for will be notified of the definitive placement. Two weeks before the start of care, you will be invited for an intake interview. In this interview, various substantive matters about the care will be discussed. This includes, for example, your child’s eating, drinking, habits, and any allergies. Agreements specific to your child will also be recorded.
When will I be contacted for the intake interview?
We will contact you two weeks before the start of care to schedule an appointment for the intake interview. You do not need to contact us for this.
Opening Hours & Contact
What are your opening hours?
The childcare center locations are open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The after-school care locations are open from the time school ends until 6:00 PM. Before-school care is open from 7:00 AM.
The preschools are open from 8:15 AM to 12:15 PM. Heerewaarden location from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
When are you closed?
We are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. These include Easter Monday, King’s Day (April 27), Liberation Day (May 5), Ascension Day, Whit Monday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day (December 25 & 26), and New Year’s Day (January 1). It is not possible to swap official holidays (or receive service hours for them).
Can I drop off my child earlier or pick them up later?
No, we are open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Your child is welcome within those hours. Depending on interest, we offer care from 6:30 AM. We will offer this if there is sufficient interest. Are you interested in this? Please let us know via: info@t-veldmuisje.nl.
How do I get in touch?
You can find all our contact details on our website.
Can I contact the group directly?
Yes, you certainly can. You can reach the group directly by phone or via our parent portal, Konnect.
When is the central office available?
Here you will find an overview of the times and days when the central office is available.
Placement
When will I hear if there's a spot available?
Depending on the busyness of the respective childcare location, we look 4 to 5 months ahead. This is also the period within which you can expect a definitive answer from us regarding availability. Sometimes we cannot offer a spot immediately, but space may become available later due to changes or cancellations. We will then contact you directly.
I need a spot on short notice, is that possible?
If you are looking for a spot on short notice, we will immediately check the possibilities in our schedule. If placement is possible, we will plan the start date to allow time for the intake interview and a morning or afternoon for your child to settle in.
What are my chances of placement?
The chance of placement depends on various factors such as: Which care days are desired, what is the combination of those days, the number of days, which care location, etc.
The more flexible you are, the greater the chance we can make you an offer. For example, the chance of a spot for 2 days is greater than the chance of placement for 4 days. Placement on Wednesdays and Fridays is often possible sooner than on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.
Is half-day placement possible?
We do not offer half-days at the childcare center. However, we do offer mornings for toddlers at the preschools.
Can a placement be canceled?
Once you have signed the placement contract, you can cancel the spot free of charge up to 2 months before the start of placement. After that, we apply a 1-month notice period and will charge the costs for the reserved placement.
Options
What types of care are available?
We offer the following care options. For more information, please visit our website.
- Childcare (0 – 4 years)
- Preschool (2 – 4 years)
- After-school care (4 – 12 years)
- Before-school care (4 – 12 years)
What options are there?
Our website lists the current options. The choice of a contract type is personal and depends on how many days of care are needed and what wishes there are for care during holidays.
Is there a minimum purchase obligation?
From a pedagogical perspective, we advise bringing your child to care for at least two days a week. With two days of care, your child will get used to the environment, the childcare professionals, and the other children in the group more quickly and effectively. One day of care is possible, but please keep in mind that your child will have to partially readjust every week. This is because there will be six days between care moments.
Can I arrange incidental care?
Incidental care is not possible; we advise you to look for a babysitter or a childminder for that.
Can I only arrange care during holidays?
No, this is not possible. The reason for this is that we prioritize the child’s well-being and our connection with the child. To achieve this, there must be a certain degree of repetition in the care.
Can my child only attend BSO (after-school care) for a morning during holidays?
For a holiday day at the BSO (after-school care), we charge a standard 11 hours. This is the ‘day part’ for holiday care. Therefore, it is not possible to schedule only a morning. Of course, you may bring your child later and/or pick them up earlier in consultation with the childcare professional. Please note: during holidays, we often organize excursions and/or activities where picking up earlier or dropping off later can be disruptive or not possible at all.
Contracting, Direct Debit & Cancellation
How does digital contract signing work?
You will receive an email containing a link. By clicking on it, you will be directed to the website of our automation partner, which enables digital contract signing. It will clearly indicate where information needs to be entered. Once everything is filled in and completed, you will receive an email with the signed agreement and a report of the signing. We will receive a copy.
Do I have a cooling-off period?
Yes, there is a 7-day cooling-off period. Digital signing must be completed within 7 days. If we do not receive the signed contract back within 7 days, the placement offer will expire, and we will offer the spot to other parents. You can then no longer derive any rights from the placement offer.
How does automatic direct debit work?
By entering into the agreement, you also give your consent for automatic direct debit. Once the bank details and the automatic direct debit are linked to our banking system, we can process the debits.
When is the invoice debited?
The invoice for care will be automatically debited around the 25th of the month. Please ensure sufficient funds are available so that no administration fees need to be charged.
In case of late payment of the invoice or inability to execute the direct debit, statutory interest and an administration fee of €5.50 will be charged.
Can I pay the invoice in a way other than automatic direct debit?
In principle, all invoices are automatically debited. Should you wish to discuss an alternative payment method, please contact our financial administration. The email address is info@t-velmuisje.nl.
How can I cancel the care contract?
Cancellation of the care contract can be done by sending an email to info@t-veldmuisje.nl.
What is the notice period?
We apply a one-month notice period in accordance with the general industry terms and conditions.
Care & Nutrition
Are diapers and food included in the price?
There are many different types and brands of infant formula. The variety is so great that we do not provide for this. We prepare food in a hygienic and responsible manner. If you prefer to give your child breast milk, that is also possible, of course.
Diapers are included in the price at the childcare center.
At the preschools, they are diapers and fruit are not included in the price. Parents can bring these themselves to the preschool.
Breastfeeding and childcare; how does that work?
Breastfeeding and childcare can be perfectly combined. If you work/live/study near our location, you are welcome to visit during the care day to feed. But even if you are unable to come, your child can drink breast milk. A refrigerator is available at each location where your expressed breast milk can be stored. We use a bottle warmer to heat the breast milk.
Do you provide breakfast?
We value rituals and celebrating special moments. A birthday is one of them. Attention makes everything more beautiful, and the birthday child is the center of attention. We make a hat, decorate the room, and sing together. Each location and group has its own way of celebrating a party. Some groups read a party book, others use musical instruments, or the child may be the helper of the day. It truly is a celebration!
It is important to us that every child and every family can experience a child’s birthday in childcare in an equal way. This means that in childcare and BSO (after-school care), we no longer allow treats. The idea might take some getting used to. This offers several advantages for everyone:
- Financial differences between parents no longer matter.
- No more discussions about the content or size of the treat.
- No more stress when buying or making the treat.
- Children no longer have to refuse treats due to allergies or religious beliefs.
- All children can participate.
- Moreover, no treats are healthier and better for the environment.
At the preschools, we align as much as possible with the schools’ policies. This may vary here and there. However, we celebrate everywhere!
Are treats allowed?
We value rituals and celebrating special moments. A birthday is one of them. Attention makes everything more beautiful, and the birthday child is the center of attention. We make a hat, decorate the room, and sing together. Each location and group has its own way of celebrating a party. Some groups read a party book, others use musical instruments, or the child may be the helper of the day. It truly is a celebration!
It is important to us that every child and every family can experience a child’s birthday in childcare in an equal way. This means that in childcare and BSO (after-school care), we no longer allow treats. The idea might take some getting used to. This offers several advantages for everyone:
- Financial differences between parents no longer matter.
- No more discussions about the content or size of the treat.
- No more stress when buying or making the treat.
- Children no longer have to refuse treats due to allergies or religious beliefs.
- All children can participate.
- Moreover, no treats are healthier and better for the environment.
At the preschools, we align as much as possible with the schools’ policies. This may vary here and there. However, we celebrate everywhere!
Do you provide warm evening meals?
Currently, we do not provide warm evening meals at the care locations. With sufficient registrations (at least 4), we are considering doing so. This meal can be eaten during care or taken home. This meal service will be charged separately.
Are you interested in this? Please let us know via info@t-veldmuisje.nl.
Privacy & Social Media
Why do you need my Citizen Service Number?
Based on Article 38 of the General Income-Dependent Schemes Act (AWIR) and Article 1a of the Implementing Decree General Income-Dependent Schemes Act, we ask for your Citizen Service Number. We must provide this number to the Tax Authorities. Because this is included in Article 1b of the implementing decree, it is a legal obligation for us.
Are photos shared on Social Media?
According to privacy legislation, prior consent must be given for publishing photos that include individuals. When entering into a contract, you indicate whether or not you give this consent. If you do not give consent, we process that in our system and ensure that your child does not appear in photos.
In specific cases, we ask for additional consent. This includes, for example, making recordings for use on our website. We then ask you to fill out a separate form.
Because some children are allowed to be in photos by their parents/guardians and other children are not, it is sometimes difficult in practice to post a photo of a group activity. To treat all children equally, we then choose to ‘blur’. This way, we can still show on our social media what we organize for and with the children.
Are vaccinations registered?
Yes, during the intake interview for childcare, this is asked and noted on the intake form. You can choose whether or not to share this information with us based on the Personal Data Protection Act. We do not collect information about later vaccinations, and you do not need to provide this to us.
Konnect URL
If you have received a contract, you will automatically receive an email containing all the details to log in to the Konnect parent portal app.
If you install the app at a later time, you may be asked for the URL, which is
t-veldmuisje.ouderportaal.nl
What do you want to do?
We are here for you
The central office is available from Monday to Thursday between 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM. Prefer direct contact with one of the locations? You can do this via the Parent App or find the contact details of your location via the location page.