Start internet consultation about financial and quality rules in the childcare sector
The BES Childcare Decree to the Childcare (BES) Act specifies the rules that are going to apply to quality, data exchange, and funding of childcare in the Caribbean Netherlands. Anyone can now give feedback on these rules via an internet consultation. The objective is to provide good, safe, and affordable childcare for all children in the Caribbean Netherlands, so that every child has the opportunity to develop to its full potential.
The legislative proposal for the Childcare BES Act has recently passed. It is expected to take effect starting from the 1st of July 2025. The more specific rules have now also been elaborated. Many quality requirements are similar to the requirements that are already applicable through the Island Childcare Ordinance(s). These rules have been discussed several times with childcare organisations, parents, and other stakeholders during consultation sessions. On the basis thereof, the rules have been adapted to the Caribbean context. For example, the porch of a childcare centre is partially counted as indoor space when determining the number of children that can be cared for.
In addition, quality requirements were tightened to prevent developmental and learning delays. To this end, a childcare centre must monitor the development of children and work in daycare with a pre-school education curriculum. In out-of-school care, a varied programme of activities is needed that is more than just doing homework. It was elaborated what these programmes should comply with.
Funding
The intention is that the SZW Unit of RCN will implement the funding scheme and largely fund the childcare. In the BES Childcare Decree, all financial rules and conditions for funding are detailed. For example, funding will only take place if there really is structural care and therefore attendance of the child.
Parents will continue to pay the same as they are currently paying for the next two years. For parents who are unable to pay, the Public Entity will retain the option of (partially) paying the parental contribution.
Last reaction opportunity
Before all the rules really become final, the Central Government is organising a final (online) consultation. You can react up to and including the 15th of September 2024 via the consultation website: https://www.internetconsultatie.nl/nadereregelsomtrentdekwaliteitfinancieringengegevensverwerkingtenbehoevevankinderopvang.