Welcome
Your child may soon be starting at one of our locations: daycare, toddler care or a before and after school club (BSO). That’s exciting, and perhaps a little nerve-racking too. Don’t worry. Together, we will make sure your child has a happy and valuable time with us. A warm welcome to you and your child(ren)!
Childcare and child development are what we dedicate ourselves to every day, with heart, head and hands. Our approach is based on our expertise and strong vision of child development. In this guide, you can read what that means and how we put it into practice.
We briefly explain how we view the optimal development of children and what this looks like in practice. Children can grow almost anywhere, but truly flourish? That requires something more. You can read more about this in the section on Child development and educational theory
Every child needs time to get used to a new environment. A warm welcome, feeling at home in the group and getting used to us as childcare professionals are all important. For your child and for us. We enjoy getting to know your child well. Think of this as a settling-in period: a strong foundation for many valuable years together.
And then? Once everything feels familiar, other questions arise. What do we choose to do together with the children? What are we good at? What do we find important?
Finally: what can you expect from us, and what do you need to arrange yourself? What if your child is ill? Can you switch days? You will find all this in the checklist at the back of this guide. Our General Terms and Conditions are available on our website: www.humankind.nl.
You may be wondering what a day with us looks like. We can already tell you: it is different for every child. Each child has their own needs, wishes and way of seeing the world. Throughout this guide, you will find “Life according to…” examples that illustrate how we at Humankind make a difference for children: from growth to flourishing.
If you have any questions, you are always welcome. Speak to your child’s mentor, one of our childcare professionals, send us an email or call the regional office. You can also visit our website.
A brilliant childhood lasts a lifetime.
Child development and educational theory
Every child who grows into a confident adult makes our society, and therefore the world, a better place. This begins with truly seeing and getting to know each child as they are, paying close attention and responding to their needs.
Our range is varied, professionally grounded and contributes to optimal development. Awareness, with care for people and nature at its core. Independence, autonomy and taking good care of yourself and others.
For a baby, the world is still small, and life mainly takes place at home or close to home. A small world full of promises and possibilities, with a foundation of safety and predictability. This gives your child a sense of protection and trust. Emmi Pikler, pediatrician and educator, states that movement, play in relative freedom and genuine contact are crucial for a child’s development. This is reflected in how we work. Changing a nappy, for example, is a moment of contact, not just a necessary task. The environment is set up so that even the youngest children can explore freely and independently. Furniture is low and accessible so children can sit down independently. Everything a child can do themselves; they are encouraged to do themselves. And to discover. We offer an environment and play materials tailored to each stage of development.
A toddler quickly develops the need to explore the world beyond the group. Step by step, a wider world opens. They encounter many different influences. The living environment plays an important role in development. We offer activities both at the location and beyond: in the neighborhood, at schools, sports clubs, music schools and libraries. We might visit the local bakery together or surprise residents at a care home.
A primary school-aged child has gained a great deal of independence. You can clearly see this. Discovering talents and interacting with friends become increasingly important. As a parent, you start to let go a little more. This is also how we work at the BSO. Within safe boundaries, children are given the space to try things, make mistakes and learn. Thanks to the enthusiastic input of the children themselves, our activities are varied and challenging. BSO locations can also take part in national theme weeks and benefit from the scale of our organization.
A good start
You were looking for daycare, toddler care or a before and after school club. You found Humankind.
You may have visited us with your child and received a tour of the location. You may have been given a tour by one of our employees at the relevant location. From the moment the contract is signed, your child is insured and welcome from the agreed start date.
During the introductory meeting, we discuss everything that is important: practical matters, contact details and any specific considerations such as health, medication, allergies, eating and sleeping habits or routines. We find it important that your child can come and practice before their first official day. This helps us see how your child responds to the new environment, the childcare professionals and the other children, and vice versa. Getting used to things and building trust happens at your own pace. If you are bringing your baby for the first time, it helps to prepare at home. Let your baby get used to sleeping in their own bed, drinking from a bottle and being fed by someone other than their parents. These experiences help your baby settle in more easily.
From day one, your child will have a mentor. This is one of the childcare professionals who pays special attention to your child. The mentor monitors your child’s wellbeing and development and is your main point of contact.
No unnecessary rules. This applies for all ages, for our children and staff. We do make agreements if necessary, based on what tends to work for most children. Together with you and your child, we will soon notice if things work out differently. We will then do something about that. Because we are led by what is best for everyone’s wellbeing and development. Once in the group, your child will start to become familiar with the habits within that group.
Life according to Noor: Experiencing the fact that freedom gives you space, and the world is open for you.
And then
Days can seem endless in the eyes of a child, yet they often pass quickly. Sleeping, playing, eating, crawling, dreaming, discovering, singing, dancing, running, exploring and relaxing…
The youngest children still sleep a lot, peacefully in our sleeping rooms. At some locations, babies may also sleep outdoors. A toddler who suddenly needs a nap can rest comfortably on a daybed, with or without their favorite cuddly toy or comfort blanket. Children are naturally curious and born explorers. They play together or independently. When needed, they help each other. A child who is given the space to try and discover will continue to surprise you.
For and with our children, Humankind chooses:
Health
Your child is given bottle feeding, porridge, bread-based meals, fruit, snacks and drinks with us. In doing so, we follow the guidelines of the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. What children eat and drink with us is always as healthy as possible, with as few additives as possible, while taking dietary requirements or religion into account. This means that drinks are mainly water, fresh fruit is often served, and a sandwich is full of healthy grains. Does your child need a special diet? Discuss this with us and we will try to make suitable arrangements together.
Our neighborhood, village or city
You will find our locations in large cities, in suburban areas and in the smallest villages in the countryside. Regardless of the size of the location, Humankind is always at the heart of the local community. We, and our children, are part of it: we live, work and grow up within that local connectedness. This may take shape through collaboration with a primary school or municipality, but also, for example, by organizing joint activities, setting up new initiatives, sharing knowledge or simply visiting the local baker or petting zoo. Or sometimes somewhere further away.
Taking part, thinking along and helping decide
Every child has their own unique contribution. Children often come up with refreshing, groundbreaking ideas that we as adults would not think of so quickly. We encourage children to take part, think along and help decide. In practice, this means that older children, for example, help decide which activities are developed and offered. Children often know very well what they need and where their boundaries lie. We involve our children in all their individuality and full worth; their opinions are heard and respected, and their voices count. Having your own say but also listening to others: these are aspects of life that children encounter from an early age and that remain just as important for us as adults.
Being good to ourselves and to others
Only when you take good care of yourself can you be fully there for someone else. Humankind has grown from humanist ideals, which advocate good citizenship, with attention for yourself and for others. We are involved with one another and responsible for our own actions. We teach children to take responsibility for their living environment by standing up for themselves and for others.
Love for people and nature
You can only pay your full attention to someone else if you take good care of yourself. Humankind has grown out of the humanist philosophy, which champions good citizenship, taking yourself and others into account. We are connected to each other and responsible for our own actions. We teach children to take responsibility for their living environment by standing up for themselves and others.
Sun, wind, snow or rain
Outside! In fact, it does not really matter what the weather is like - being outdoors is always fun. Getting dirty or wet is not a problem. As a parent, you provide the right clothing suited to the weather conditions. Clothes that can take a knock and are allowed to get dirty. For example, wellington boots. We will take care of the rest. For example, sun cream and umbrellas.
Together we can do (much) more than alone #thepoweroftogetherness
Joining forces, working together, lending each other a hand, learning from one another and encouraging each other to create something beautiful together. It works!
Falling + getting back up = self-confidence
Naturally, we provide a child-friendly and as safe as possible environment for our children. Taking on challenges and pushing boundaries are part of growing up and learning, as children gain experiences for themselves. This comes with falling and getting back up. We give children the space to do this, within safe boundaries, and encourage independence. This is good for your child’s development. Falling and getting dirty are simply part of it.
A better world
Every child who grows into a confident adult helps make our society, and therefore the world, a better place. We believe that when children are given the opportunity to grow and flourish, they have the potential to make a real difference. And that is exactly what the world needs. If we take good care of the earth, the earth will continue to take care of us.
We make a difference, for this generation and for those to come. That is why we have defined five ambitions at Humankind that contribute to a better world.
1. Everyone can take part
Everyone is different. Everyone is unique. And that is exactly what makes our world so beautiful. At Humankind, we make sure that everyone feels welcome, whether it is a child, a parent, an employee or a partner. Everyone is given the opportunity to develop and to be themselves.
2. Children build the future
At Humankind, children are given the trust and space to make their own choices, in their own way and at their own pace. They are encouraged to come up with solutions and to try things out. Our locations are places where children learn what it means to be part of a group. Often for the first time, they experience what it means to live together in a community. At the BSO, they continue to build on this. We show children that their ideas and opinions matter.
3. Caring for the planet
More than ever, it is important to take care of our environment. We teach children from an early age how to do this, so that future generations can also live on a healthy planet. We encourage them to respect everything around them, to reduce waste and to recycle. We also take responsibility ourselves by making sustainable choices. In what we buy and in how we design and maintain our locations and outdoor spaces.
4. Growing up safe, healthy and happy
We offer children an environment where they can grow up safely, with plenty of opportunities to explore and be challenged. Emotional and physical safety always come first. This also means supporting a healthy body and mind. A child who feels good, both physically and mentally, can become the best version of themselves. You can see this in our healthy nutrition policy, our focus on physical activity and the time we spend outdoors.
5. Working safe, healthy and happy
Our employees dedicate themselves every day, with heart, head and hands, to our mission: supporting every child in their growth and development. They are there for our children, and Humankind is there for them. Throughout their careers and beyond. We make sure they feel supported, can work in a healthy way and maintain a good balance between work and personal life, both physically and mentally.
Life according to Memphis: Believing that respect for other people makes you a better person.
Checklist Activities
Older children help decide which activities will take place. The activity calendar at the BSO is therefore created based on the initiative and input of the children. For example, if they come up with a nice recipe, we will make it together. Children at daycare and toddler care are also encouraged to make their own choices and to take part.
Absence
If your child is unexpectedly absent, you can report this via the ParentApp (OuderApp). If you report this before 8:00 for pre-school care, before 9:00 for daycare and before 11:00 for the BSO, it may be possible to switch a day or part of the day. You can find more information in the ParentApp.
Bende Happy
We also monitor the well-being of our children. Through the Bende Happy app, developed by and for children at Humankind, children can provide insight into how they feel about various topics by answering a set of questions. These topics include, for example, the group space, food, activities, outdoor areas, childcare professionals and toys.
Birthday celebrations
Is it your child’s birthday? We celebrate this together with their group. We coordinate birthday treats with the Parents’ Committee of the location.
Birthday celebrations
Is it your child’s birthday? We celebrate this together with their group. We coordinate birthday treats with the Parents’ Committee of the location.
0-4 years
We do not recommend bringing treats in the baby groups. The children are still so young that they do not yet understand what giving treats means. For toddlers’ birthdays, we prepare the treats ourselves at the toddler group or daycare.
Before and after school club (BSO)
At the BSO, we do celebrate birthdays, but without bringing in treats. The groups are larger and, as more children attend the BSO for only one day, there is almost a birthday every week. In addition, children already bring treats to school and sometimes to sports clubs.
Care
Nappies, cream, wipes and sun cream are included in the fee and do not need to be brought by you, unless you prefer a different brand than the one we use.
Childhood illnesses
We kindly ask you to inform us as soon as possible and as completely as possible if your child has a contagious illness (childhood illness) or in case of specific situations such as head lice.
Code of conduct
Children, parents, employees, all of us: we treat each other with respect. We are all responsible for this together. Matters such as discrimination, aggression and (sexually) inappropriate behavior or expressions are unacceptable and will be addressed by us.
Complaints procedure
We stand for quality and do our very best for children and parents. We are pleased to hear from you, your compliments but also if there is something you are not completely happy about. If you would like to submit a complaint, please ask the childcare professional about the complaints procedure and for a complaint form. Or check the ParentApp. Complaints will be handled confidentially. If you are not happy with the way your complaint is handled, you have the right to contact the Childcare Complaints Office or to go straight to the Childcare and Nurseries Arbitration Committee.
Contact
There may be times when we need to reach you as quickly as possible. Please make sure that your contact details are always up to date. Newsletters and other relevant information can be found in the ParentApp.
Costs
The costs and the average hourly rate are stated in your contract. You will be informed of the rates for the following year by 1 December at the latest. No refund of costs is given in the event of illness of your child and/or recognized public holidays.
Customer satisfaction
To ensure the best possible service for children and their parents, we collect feedback in various ways. We ask for your experience after the initial introduction, after the settling-in period and at the end of the childcare period. We also carry out regular customer satisfaction
surveys via the Verbetermeter.
Drop-off and pick-up
To ensure that activities can be organized properly for and with the children, it is important that the agreed drop-off and pick-up times are respected.
If your child is collected by someone else, please inform the childcare professional in advance. We will not hand your child over to someone who is not known to us.
Early Years and Preschool
Toddler childcare locations that work with an Early Years and Preschool Education Programme can give children some extra help with their language development and playing together with other children. This is subsidized by the municipality. Want to find out more? Ask your childcare professional.
Employees
Our employees are all professionals in their field. They are committed, enthusiastic and qualified in accordance with the collective labor agreement requirements. Every employee holds a Certificate of Good Conduct and is registered in the Childcare Register.
Extra childcare
In the ParentApp, you can request for your child to attend an extra day or part of a day. This is possible if there is availability, if there are sufficient childcare professionals present and if the group composition allows it. You will receive a confirmation email of your request if you have enabled this option in the ParentApp. The costs will be included in the next monthly invoice and collected by direct debit.
Family situation
Are there any major developments in your family situation? Please inform the childcare professional. Of course your privacy will be guaranteed.
Food
Your child receives healthy food at our locations: bottle feeding, porridge, fruit, bread and snacks. If your child requires a specific diet, please discuss this with us so that we can make suitable arrangements where possible.
Life according to Max: Feeling that you are protected and that you can be at home here too.
Four-year-olds
Hooray, it’s your child’s birthday! The day after their fourth birthday, your child will move on to primary school. If this does not happen immediately, in most cases we can provide a temporary solution. Please inform us in time if you would like to make use of this. Our agreement automatically ends on the date stated in the contract. Transfer to the BSO does not happen automatically. You will receive information about this when your child is 2 and again when they are 3 years old.
Friends
Would your child like to bring a friend to the BSO, or go and play with another child? Please discuss the possibilities with the childcare professionals in advance.
GGD guidelines
Childcare locations are inspected annually by the Municipal Health Service (GGD). They check whether the location meets the legal quality requirements, for example in terms of the pedagogical climate, safety and layout. A direct link to the most recent report can be found on our website.
Health
Young children encounter pathogens. Especially in places where many children are together, it is important that proper hygiene measures are taken. In addition to following the relevant (legal) guidelines and standards, we remain attentive when it comes to things like wiping noses and washing hands. All our locations operate a non-smoking policy.
Hygiene code
Our hygiene code is based on the guidelines of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). We follow procedures related to food, indoor climate (air and temperature), heat protocols, cleaning, personal hygiene and the monitoring of all these aspects.
Illness
If your child does not feel well or becomes ill, we will contact you to discuss the situation. In some cases, you may be asked to pick up your child. The childcare professional will make this decision, based on the well-being and health of your child and that of the other children. If necessary, the general practitioner will be contacted. Once your child has recovered after a period of illness, we ask you to contact us during the day so we can update you on how things are going. We may also decide for the rest of the day, as a day with us requires more energy than staying at home.
Independence
Does your child travel independently from the BSO to a sports club? We would like to make clear arrangements about this with you and your child, so please discuss this with the childcare professionals. The same applies to playing outside the premises.
Insurance
Humankind has taken out liability and accident insurance. You are required to arrange your own liability insurance for your child. Humankind is not liable for loss of or damage to belongings of children or parents.
Keypad access code
Access to many locations is secured with a keypad lock code. To make sure that strangers cannot gain access, it’s important that this code is not shared with third parties.
Medication
Does your child use medication? Always inform the childcare professionals of any medication or over-the-counter remedies your child uses. You will be asked to complete and sign a consent form for the administration of medication. Medication must be provided in its original packaging, including storage instructions. As a parent, you remain responsible for administering medication. Our childcare professionals will of course remain attentive to signals from your child.
National events
Even smaller locations benefit from being part of a large, nationwide organization. This allows us to participate in national events and initiatives with partners such as IVN, NLSchoon and Nederland Zoemt. Each year, national theme weeks are organized, for example focusing on sustainability and experiencing nature.
Opening times
Our locations are open on working days throughout the year. This means every day of the week except Saturdays, Sundays and the following public holidays: 1 January, Easter Sunday, Easter Monday, King’s Day, Ascension Day, Whit Sunday, Whit Monday, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and 5 May. We will inform you in good time if we are closed due to a study day. You can also find the opening times on our website.
Parental participation
Parental involvement is organized both locally (Parents’ Committee) and nationally (Central Parents’ Committee). These bodies have an advisory role, both solicited and unsolicited.
The Parents’ Committee represents the interests of parents and children at a local level, contributes to discussions about policy and activities, and advises the location manager. The focus is on the general interest, not on individual situations. They may also support the team in organizing activities such as coffee mornings. Any parent can stand for election to the Parents’ Committee, provided they are not employed by Humankind and are not part of the Supervisory Board.
The Central Parents’ Committee operates at a national level and allows parents to have input into Humankind’s policies, such as pricing, placement policy and training. It acts as a discussion partner for the Supervisory Board. Together with parents, Humankind works on both the quality of its services and responsible business operations.
Photos and video material
Photos and videos are taken at our locations, for example to capture the themes we are working on, for newsletters, or for publications and social media. Through the ParentApp, you can indicate whether you give permission for the use of images for different purposes. We only use images of your child with your consent. To protect the privacy of our children and staff, we ask you not to share photos or videos from the location on social media yourself.
Privacy
We work with accurate, complete and up-to-date personal data and handle this information with care. All measures we take are described in our Information Security and Privacy Policy. We comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including GDPR. For more information, please see the privacy statement on our website.
Quality register
Our locations are registered in the National Childcare Register (LRK) and are inspected annually by the GGD.
Safety
Humankind continuously works to ensure a safe environment for children and staff. This includes evacuation drills, first aid training for children (KinderEHBO), company emergency response training (BHV) for all childcare professionals, and working safely and healthily based on clear instructions. If you would like to know more, please ask for the Safety and Health Policy at your location.
Second or subsequent child
A new application is required for a second or subsequent child. Together, we will review the placement options.
Sleep
At our locations, we ensure that sleeping is as safe as possible. We follow the national guidelines for the prevention of cot death (SIDS) and the safe sleeping protocol for childcare.
We place babies in a sleeping bag, on their back, in a safe bed and ensure adequate supervision.
Sleeping on the stomach, swaddling and restraining are not permitted at our daycare locations.
If there is a request for a different sleeping arrangement based on medical advice from a qualified professional, we ask you to discuss this with the childcare professional.
Spare clothing
Children go outside every day at our locations. Clothing may get wet or dirty. Please ensure your child wears suitable clothing and that a spare set of clothes is available at the location.
Switching
If you indicate that you would like to swap to another day or part day, we will look at whether this is possible. See the ParentApp for the swapping terms and conditions. Swaps are not possible for toddler childcare.
Switching days
Would you like to change your agreed childcare days, either temporarily or permanently?
We will be happy to review whether and when this is possible. Please contact the customer service of the regional office. Your request will be processed within five working days.
Termination
The agreed end date is stated in the placement agreement. If you wish to terminate the agreement earlier, it is important to observe a notice period of one month. The termination must be submitted by email to customer services.
Trainees
We are a recognized training organization. Trainees may be deployed in accordance with collective labor agreements and our internal training policy. A trainee is always supervised by a qualified childcare professional, and parents are informed accordingly.
We also work with BBL students, who combine working and learning. Their deployment is determined in consultation with the training provider, the student and our workplace supervisor.
Vacation
Please inform us of your holiday plans as early as possible so that we can take them into account in our planning and programme. You always retain the right to your child’s place if your holiday plans change.i
Vaccinations
In general, children are vaccinated against several childhood diseases. Children who are not vaccinated, for whatever reason, can also attend our locations.
If your child receives a vaccination, please inform the childcare professional so that we can respond appropriately to any reactions or side effects.
Contact
Your main point of contact at the location is your child’s mentor. If your child is under the age of 4, you will be invited at least once a year for a well-being discussion. Together, we will discuss how your child is doing.
You can also speak to the childcare professionals during drop-off and pick-up times. If needed, you can contact the location manager. For questions about placement or planning, you can contact the regional office.
Through the ParentApp, you will receive newsletters, important information and photos of your child.
Helvoirtseweg 9 5261 ca Vught
Meezenbroekerweg 1a 6412 vk Heerlen
Correspondence
Postbus 591 6400 an Heerlen
t 045 561 53 53
e info@humankind.nl i www.humankind.nl