What exactly does the fixed faces rule involve?
The fixed faces rule, officially the fixed-faces criterion, is set out in the Childcare Quality Act (Wet IKK) and applies to all daycare centers (kinderdagverblijven/KDVs) in the Netherlands. The rule states that a child is entitled to a fixed group of childcare workers who structurally provide care. This doesn't mean your child never sees anyone new, but rather that there is a clearly recognizable core team.
The law requires that childcare ensures stability in the group. In practice, this means children don't have to deal with changing staff at every shift. Temporary staff or support may be used, but the foundation of daily care must consist of familiar faces. How this is implemented varies by organization. Some daycare centers work with fixed group leaders and fixed assistants, while others use a team that rotates more frequently but within known parameters.
Why familiar faces matter for your child
Young children need repetition and predictability to feel safe. When a child knows who is caring for them, a foundation of trust develops on which further development can take place. This is especially true for babies and toddlers, who are still actively working on attachment and building an internal worldview.
Additionally, fixed childcare workers can get to know the child better. They notice when something is different, know preferences and boundaries, and can respond to these appropriately. This leads to less stress for the child and smoother communication with you as a parent.
How the fixed-faces criterion makes settling in easier
The settling-in period at a daycare center goes much more smoothly when your child meets familiar faces. Instead of constantly having to get used to new voices, smells, and approaches, your child can focus on the new environment itself. The fixed caregiver becomes a safe haven in a period full of change. Read more here about the settling-in period and separation anxiety in your child.
During a tour, explicitly ask about the settling-in period and who is involved. Is there a fixed caregiver for settling in? How is the handover from parents to the group arranged? And what happens if that fixed caregiver is sick or on holiday? The answers provide insight into how the childcare handles continuity.
The connection between familiar faces and feeling safe
Safety in childcare is more than physical protection. A child who feels emotionally safe dares to explore, makes contact with other children, and learns to set boundaries. Familiar faces contribute directly to this. The child doesn't need to spend energy assessing new adults, but can use that energy for play and development.
During a tour, observe how staff interact with the children. Do children call the caregivers by name? Are signals responded to in a natural way? These are practical indicators of a stable group, regardless of what is written on paper.
How do you check whether a daycare center complies with the rule?
The Municipal Health Service (GGD) checks annually for compliance with the fixed-faces criterion and includes this in the inspection report. This report is public and can be found through the National Childcare Register. Look for findings about staffing levels, schedules, and the pedagogical climate. If there is a comment about frequent staff changes or insufficient stability, that is a signal to ask further questions. Learn here how to read a report.
You can also make your own observations. Ask during intake about average sick leave and how temporary staff are deployed. How often does someone from outside the group come in? And how does the childcare ensure handover when there is a new face? A daycare center that is transparent about these matters generally also shows awareness of the criterion.
What do you do if a daycare center doesn't properly follow the rule?
Do you notice that your child often has new caregivers, while this was promised to be otherwise? Discuss this first with the manager or pedagogical coach. Be specific about what you observe and ask for the cause. Sometimes there is a temporary situation, such as illness or maternity leave. If it is structural, you can refer to the legal obligation under the Childcare Quality Act (Wet IKK).
If the conversation doesn't lead to improvement, you can file a complaint with the GGD. The inspectorate can take enforcement action if there is a violation. The parent committee can also play a role in raising structural issues. Document your observations so you can come with facts.
How do you prepare your child for new caregivers?
Sometimes a new face is unavoidable, for example when starting at a new location or after a move. Prepare your child by talking about it at home, without making a big issue of it. Mention the new caregiver's name, show a photo if the childcare provides one, and explain what will happen.
Keep the goodbye short and clear. An elaborate farewell ritual often backfires because it increases tension. Say that you will come back and approximately when. For babies and young toddlers, it helps if the new caregiver takes over something familiar from home, such as a cuddly toy or a specific way of comforting.
Get started
The fixed faces rule is an important quality aspect, but its implementation requires your own research. Don't just look at what is on the website, but ask targeted questions during a tour and consult the GGD report for an independent picture. At kiddie.nl, you compare daycare centers based on inspection reports and practical characteristics, so you choose childcare where stability is not an empty promise.