A substitute staff member in childcare. Sometimes it's unavoidable — but as a parent, you might wonder: is my child just as safe as usual? That's completely understandable, because an unfamiliar face in the group naturally raises questions. In this article, we explain what rules apply and what a good childcare provider must ensure when a substitute is on duty.
Is your child just as safe when a substitute is working in childcare?
The short answer: yes, as long as the childcare provider follows the rules. A substitute cannot simply step in front of a group without meeting a number of requirements. Childcare regulations in the Netherlands are specifically designed to ensure that safety and quality are maintained even during temporary cover.
That said, we understand it can take some getting used to as a parent. Your child has built a bond with the regular team, and that sense of familiarity matters for good reason. Fortunately, there are clear rules that set out exactly what is and isn't allowed when a substitute is brought in. Knowing what those rules are can give you real peace of mind.
Continuity and familiarity: what changes for young children?
Young children — especially babies and toddlers — thrive with familiar faces and a predictable routine. An unfamiliar carer can feel a little unsettling for a small child. That's normal and doesn't have to be a problem, as long as the substitute has been properly briefed and understands how the group operates. A good childcare provider makes sure that a substitute knows the daily routine, the children's names, and any individual needs — such as allergies or sleep habits. Don't hesitate to ask about this if your child is spending a day with a substitute.
What obligations does a childcare organisation have when using a substitute?
A childcare organisation may use a substitute, but must meet a number of obligations when doing so:
- The substitute must be demonstrably qualified and registered in the Childcare Staff Register (Personenregister Kinderopvang).
- A valid Certificate of Good Conduct (Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag/VOG) must be on file.
- The staff-to-child ratio (beroepskracht-kindratio/BKR) must be maintained even with a substitute in place.
- The two-adult principle (vier ogen principe) must be upheld at all times.
In short: a substitute is not a last resort where the rules are temporarily set aside. The same quality standards apply, no exceptions.
Child safety: the two-adult principle
The two-adult principle (vier ogen principe) is one of the most important safety rules in Dutch childcare. It means that a childcare worker must never be alone with children without another adult being able to see or hear what is happening — either directly or indirectly. This applies to substitutes as well.
In practice, this means there must always be a second person present, or that the group is visible through a window, camera, or open door. This principle is enshrined in law for good reason: it protects both children and staff. If a childcare provider fails to uphold this — even with a substitute — that is a serious red flag. On Kiddie.nl, you can easily view Municipal Health Service (GGD) inspection reports to check whether a location has ever been flagged for this.
Certificate of Good Conduct, qualifications, and registration
Every childcare professional, including substitutes, must have:
- A valid Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG), issued no more than two years before starting employment
- A recognised qualification at the appropriate level (MBO level 3 or higher, depending on the role)
- An active registration in the Childcare Staff Register (Personenregister Kinderopvang)
A childcare provider may not use a substitute who does not meet these requirements. Not sure? You can check the Childcare Staff Register online to verify whether someone is registered.
What are the signs that a childcare provider handles substitutes responsibly?
Not every childcare provider manages substitute staffing equally well. Fortunately, there are clear signs that an organisation has its house in order:
- Transparent communication: you are informed in advance, or on the day itself, when a substitute will be with the group.
- A regular substitute pool: the provider works with a consistent group of familiar substitutes who already know the location and the children.
- Introduction at drop-off: the substitute introduces themselves to parents when children are dropped off.
- Proper briefing: the substitute receives a handover covering any specific needs of the group and individual children.
- Adherence to the two-adult principle: supervision is always in place, even with a substitute on duty.
A childcare provider that has these things well organised shows that quality is never an afterthought — even on days when things don't go entirely to plan. When comparing childcare locations on Kiddie.nl, you can read reviews from other parents, who sometimes share their experiences with substitute staff too.
What you can do as a parent when there's a substitute in the group
As a parent, you don't have to simply sit back when a substitute is working. You have every right to ask questions and stay involved. Here are a few practical things you can do to put your mind at ease — and to help contribute to a safe environment for all the children in the group.
Ask how the two-adult principle is being upheld
Ask your childcare location how the two-adult principle is being maintained. You can raise this with the location manager, or with the regular staff members you already know and trust. Everyone at the location should be aware of the protocols around this. A brief conversation can serve as a gentle reminder to stay alert that day. If the answer doesn't reassure you, that's a good reason to continue the conversation.
At drop-off and pick-up
Use the drop-off and pick-up moments to briefly introduce yourself to the substitute. Share the key details: your child's name, anything relevant that day, and how your child tends to react to new faces. A good substitute will genuinely appreciate this. If the substitute seems unaware of your child or the group's routines, that's worth flagging with the location manager.
Always stay informed about the GGD inspection report
The Municipal Health Service (GGD) inspection report for your child's childcare location is publicly available and free to view. It gives you insight into how the location performs on safety, educational quality, and compliance with rules such as the two-adult principle. Has there ever been a comment about the use of substitutes or adherence to the staff-to-child ratio? Then you know what to keep an eye on. Via Kiddie.nl, you can quickly find the GGD inspection reports for childcare locations near you.
Report concerns if something doesn't feel right
Trust your instincts. If something feels off — the substitute doesn't seem qualified, the two-adult principle isn't being followed, or your child is unusually upset — you can report this (anonymously if you prefer). You can contact:
- The location manager or management of the childcare provider
- The parent committee (oudercommissie) at the location
- The Municipal Health Service (GGD) in your region, which is responsible for supervising childcare
Raising a concern might feel like a big step, but that's exactly what this system is there for. You know your child best, and your report could help protect other children too.
