7 tips for assessing the quality of your childcare
Choosing the right childcare is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a parent. After all, you want the best for your child: a safe, nurturing place where they can grow and thrive. But how do you know whether a daycare center (kinderdagverblijf/KDV) or childminder (gastouderopvang) truly delivers quality? These 7 practical tips will help you confidently assess any childcare setting and make a well-informed choice.
1. Check the Municipal Health Service inspection reports
Always start by reviewing the official inspection reports from the Municipal Health Service (GGD) for the past few years. These reports give you an objective picture of how a childcare provider performs in terms of safety, hygiene, and overall quality. You can find these reports through the National Childcare Register at landelijkregisterkinderopvang.nl. Pay particular attention to: any recorded incidents, whether all requirements have been met, and what observations the inspector made. These professionals are trained to assess both the physical environment and staff behaviour, so their findings are well worth reading.
2. Look at staff consistency
A stable team of childcare workers is invaluable for your child's development. Ask directly about staff turnover: do they have a core team, or do people come and go frequently? High staff turnover is often a sign of a poor working environment, which directly affects the quality of care. Children benefit enormously from familiar faces and consistent caregivers — it gives them a sense of security and supports their development.
3. Assess the physical environment
The physical space should be thoughtfully designed with children's needs in mind. Check whether the rooms are suitable for different age groups and whether there are enough stimulating toys and materials to support development. Is there a warm, homely atmosphere? Are there quiet corners where children can take a moment to wind down? A well-considered layout shows that real thought has gone into what children need to feel safe and engaged.
4. Pay attention to hygiene and safety protocols
Good hygiene is fundamental to quality childcare. Observe whether staff wash their hands between activities, whether toys are cleaned regularly, and whether the toilet facilities are kept tidy. Also ask about the illness policy: when are children asked to stay home, and how are medications handled? These protocols are often listed on the provider's website or available on request. Clear protocols protect the health of all children in the group.
5. Check temperature control in sleeping areas
A safe sleeping environment is not only essential for your child's wellbeing — it's also regulated by law. The temperature in sleeping rooms must be kept between 15 and 18 degrees Celsius. If the temperature rises above 25 degrees, children must be sent home. Ask what measures the childcare provider has in place to maintain these temperatures: do they have air conditioning, ventilation systems, or other cooling solutions? Check whether thermometers are present and how extreme weather conditions — both heat and cold — are managed.
6. Test how open and transparent they are
A quality childcare provider has nothing to hide and communicates openly with parents. Ask how they keep you informed: is there a daily handover when you pick up your child? How do they respond to questions or complaints? Are parents always welcome to drop in unannounced? Can you stay and observe for a few minutes at drop-off or pick-up? This last point is especially important for children who aren't yet able to talk — you want to stay in the loop about how your child is feeling and developing. Transparent communication and an open-door policy are signs of a provider who is confident in their approach and genuinely invested in the parent relationship.
7. Listen to other parents' experiences
The opinions of other parents are often the most valuable information you can get. Look up online reviews, chat with parents at pick-up time, or ask the provider for references. Pay attention to recurring themes in the feedback — both the positives and the negatives can help guide your decision.
Make a well-informed choice
With these 7 tips in mind, you'll be well equipped to assess the quality of any childcare setting. Remember that the 'best' childcare is simply the one that fits your child and your family's situation best. Take your time, visit several locations, and trust your instincts. Good childcare feels like a warm, professional place — somewhere your child is happy to go, and where you can leave them with complete peace of mind.
