Conditions for compensation

Conditions for the childcare location

A childcare location is entitled to childcare compensation from the RCN Unit SZW if the following conditions are met:

• The childcare location has a valid operating permit.
• The childcare location has a signed childcare agreement in the administration. This agreement sets out the arrangements between the parent(s) and the childcare organisation.
• The childcare organisation charges a monthly parental contribution.
• The childcare organisation does not ask parents for any additional money or products on top of the parental contribution. This also means no (contribution for) nappies, fruit and other items or a voluntary contribution. Fundraising and donations are permitted, but a donation should never determine which child can or cannot participate in an activity.

Conditions for child and parent(s)

In order to receive childcare compensation for a child, the child and the parent(s) must also meet certain conditions:

• The parent(s) and child are registered as residents on the island. A childcare organisation does not need to prove this itself when applying for childcare compensation. The RCN Unit SZW checks this. However, when concluding the agreement, the parent must also provide the sédula number. This prevents you from any surprises.
• The child must actually attend childcare and the child’s attendance is structural. This means that the child is usually present on the agreed days.
  • If a child has been absent for more than three consecutive months (excluding school holidays) then this is no longer considered structural childcare and the right to compensation ends.
  • Is a child absent because they are exempt from compulsory education? Then this is considered an occasional absence. The right to compensation remains.

Are the parent and/or child not registered?

The Public Entity can make an exception in special instances. For example, if the child or parent is a refugee. In that case, the Executive Council can advise that childcare compensation is granted because it is in the best interests of the child. A parent can apply for this kind of exception from the Public Entity:

• On Bonaire: Society and Care Directorate, Kaya Neerlandia 41. Consultation hours are on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 08:00 until 11:00 o'clock.
• On Saba: Community Development & Culture Department
• On St. Eustatius: Social Domain Directorate.

Are the parent(s) and child not registered and is there no exception (for instance in case of temporary work on the island)? Then the child can attend childcare, but the childcare organisation must charge the parent(s) at least the amount of the childcare compensation.