Internet consultation begins on childcare finance and quality rules | News item

News | July 22, 2024 | 17:33

The BES Childcare Act was recently passed. It is expected to come into force on 1 July 2025. More specific rules have now been developed. Many of the quality requirements correspond to those already applicable in the island childcare regulations. The rules have been discussed several times during consultation sessions with childcare organisations, parents and other stakeholders. On this basis, the rules have been adapted to the Caribbean context. For example, the porch section of a childcare centre is incorporated into the indoor space when determining the number of children that can be cared for.

In addition, quality requirements are being tightened to prevent developmental and learning delays. To achieve this, childcare centres must monitor children’s development and work with pre-school programmes. After-school care needs a diverse programme of activities, not just homework. Requirements have been developed for what these programmes must meet.

Financing

The aim is that the RCN SZW sector will implement the financing scheme and primarily finance childcare. The BES Childcare Decree details all financial rules and financing conditions. For example, financing will only take place if there is structured care and therefore a child.

Parents will continue to pay the same fees as now for the next two years. For parents who cannot afford it, public institutions retain the option of paying (part of) the parental contribution.

Last Comment Option

The central government will organise a final (online) consultation before all the rules are finalised. You can reply Until September 15, 2024 By consulting the website:

https://www.internetconsultatie.nl/nadereregelsomtrentdekwaliteitfinancieringengegevensverwerkingtenbehoevevankinderopvang.