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s a parent-to-be, you'll face a number of choices when it comes to childcare. Two common options are mixed-age (vertical) and same-age (horizontal) groups. But what do these actually mean, and which option suits your situation best? In this blog post, we explain what mixed-age and same-age groups are, how they work, and what the pros and cons of each are — so you can make a well-informed decision for your child and family.What are mixed-age groups?
In a mixed-age group, children of different ages are cared for together — typically ranging from newborns to four-year-olds. This setup mirrors a family environment, where older and younger children play and learn side by side.
Advantages:
- Children learn from one another: younger children observe and pick up skills from the older ones.
- Older children develop nurturing and leadership skills.
- Siblings can be placed in the same group, which many families find reassuring and convenient.
Disadvantages:
- Activities often need to be adapted for different age groups, which can be challenging for childcare workers.
- Older children may become bored if activities are too heavily focused on the needs of younger children.
What are same-age groups?
Same-age groups consist of children who are roughly the same age. For example, there may be separate groups for babies (newborn to two years) and toddlers (two to four years).
Advantages:
- Activities and materials can be tailored specifically to the developmental stage of the children in the group.
- Childcare workers can focus more effectively on the specific needs and interests of that age group.
- Children's development can be monitored more closely within their age category.
Disadvantages:
- Children have fewer opportunities to learn through interaction with different age groups.
- Siblings cannot be placed in the same group, which can be less practical for some families.
How does this work in practice?
Most daycare centers (kinderdagverblijf/KDV) offer one type of group structure — either mixed-age or same-age. Some centers offer a combination of both, giving parents the flexibility to choose the setting that best suits their child and family. It's also possible for a daycare center to use same-age groups for babies and mixed-age groups for toddlers and preschoolers.
Childminders (gastouderopvang) typically work with mixed-age groups, simply because they care for a small number of children whose ages naturally vary. After-school care (BSO) programs, on the other hand, tend to use same-age groups, as the children there are all of primary school age.
Regulations and quality standards
In the Netherlands, childcare is governed by clear rules and guidelines set by the national government. Whether you choose a mixed-age or same-age group, quality and safety are always guaranteed. Childcare workers must hold recognised qualifications, and there are strict regulations regarding the number of children per staff member.
The Municipal Health Service (GGD) carries out regular inspections to ensure that daycare centers comply with these standards. As a parent, you can rest assured that your child will be in a safe and responsible environment — regardless of whether you opt for a mixed-age or same-age group.
Which option is best?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer to whether mixed-age or same-age groups are better. It really depends on what matters most to you and what fits your family's situation. We recommend visiting several daycare centers, speaking with childcare workers, and asking about their experiences with both types of groups.
At Kiddie.nl, we offer a wide range of options and are happy to help you find the right fit. We know that every child is unique — and that's exactly why personalised childcare matters.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a mixed-age or same-age group, what matters most is that you feel confident in your choice and that your child thrives. Both options have their own strengths and limitations, but in the Netherlands you can trust that childcare quality and safety are well regulated. Take your time to explore the different possibilities and choose what works best for your family. Good luck with this important decision!
