You're looking for childcare and come across a location with 'Montessori' in the name. But what does that actually mean? Montessori childcare differs from regular childcare in several concrete ways — and those differences are worth understanding before you book a tour.
What makes Montessori childcare different from regular childcare?
The Montessori educational philosophy was developed by Italian physician Maria Montessori, who observed in the early twentieth century how children learn when given the space to do so in their own way. That observation still forms the heart of the approach: seeing the child as an active learner, not a passive recipient of instructions. At a Montessori daycare center (kinderdagverblijf/KDV), you'll see this reflected in the layout, the role of the caregivers, and the daily routine.
Independence as a starting point, not a goal
A common misconception is that Montessori childcare leaves children to fend for themselves. That's not the case. Independence isn't the end goal — it's the starting point: the environment is designed so that children can do as much as possible on their own. Think low shelves with materials children can reach themselves, small chairs and tables at the right height, and a designated place for everything so children can tidy up independently.
The idea behind this is that a child who makes their own choices feels more engaged in what they're doing — even with small, practical decisions. This applies even to very young children. A toddler who pours their own glass of water or hangs up their own coat is doing more than a practical task: they're experiencing what it feels like to be capable.
The approach of childcare professionals
At a Montessori daycare center, the childcare professional takes on a different role than you might be used to. They observe, guide, and offer support — but they don't take over the activity from the child. If a child is struggling with something, the first response is not to step in, but to wait and see whether the child can work it out on their own.
This requires well-trained professionals who know when to intervene. During a tour, it's worth asking how caregivers handle children's frustration and how they decide when support is needed. The quality of the guidance largely determines whether the Montessori approach works in practice.
Materials and play environment
Montessori materials are recognizable by their simplicity and purposefulness. They are often made of wood, have one specific function, and give the child direct feedback: a puzzle piece either fits or it doesn't. There is deliberately little colorful distraction, because the focus should be on the activity itself.
The space is divided into zones: language, mathematics, practical life, and sensory. Children are free to choose which area they go to. At a daycare center for the youngest children (ages 0–4), the emphasis is on the sensory and practical life zones. During a tour, look at whether the materials are accessible for the age group and whether the space invites independent play.
What does a day at Montessori childcare look like?
A day at a Montessori daycare center has a consistent structure, but within that structure there is plenty of room for individual choice. This combination is intentional: children need the security of a routine, but benefit from freedom within it. The morning typically begins with free work time, during which children choose which materials or activities they want to engage with. This is followed by group moments such as circle time or a meal, and then another block of free time.
Free choice within a consistent structure
The concept of 'free choice' may sound vague, but in Montessori practice it is concretely organized. Children choose from the materials available in the room, work on something for as long as they like, and then tidy up afterwards. There is no fixed schedule of activities where everyone does the same thing at the same time.
This also means that a child who is deeply focused on something will not be interrupted for a group activity unless it's truly necessary. Concentration is seen as something valuable to protect. For parents used to a structured daily programme, this may take some getting used to — but in practice, children tend to thrive with this balance of freedom and structure. During a tour, ask how the location handles children who struggle to make choices, or conversely, children who always want to do the same thing.
Which children benefit most from Montessori childcare?
Montessori childcare has a number of characteristics that work well for many children. The emphasis on independence and working at one's own pace aligns with how young children naturally learn: by doing, repeating, and discovering. Children who like to try things for themselves and don't respond well to being directed often find their footing here.
Children who prefer to work at their own pace, who get easily frustrated when interrupted, or who are naturally curious about how things work, often connect well with the Montessori approach. The same goes for children who benefit early on from practical independence: pouring their own drink, getting dressed, tidying up. This becomes a way for them to build confidence in themselves.
That said, the approach doesn't suit every child equally well. Children who need a lot of guidance and structure, or who thrive in group activities led by a caregiver, may find the open-ended setup uncomfortable. For children who are still settling into childcare, the freedom can also feel overwhelming at first.
For children who need a lot of closeness and support, or who flourish in a lively group environment, a regular daycare center with a warm, structured approach may be a better fit. Ultimately, it comes down to the match between the child, the group, and the way the caregivers work — not the label on the door.
What should you look out for as a parent?
Another important consideration is how the approach is actually put into practice. 'Montessori' is not a protected term in the Netherlands, which means that locations can use the name without any external certification. One location may work with certified Montessori-trained staff and a fully equipped Montessori environment; another may only incorporate elements of the approach.
Every childcare location has its own pedagogical policy plan. It's worth asking questions during a tour: what training have the childcare professionals completed, and how is the Montessori philosophy embedded in the pedagogical policy plan? This will help you decide whether the approach matches your child's needs.
Also take a look at the Municipal Health Service (GGD) inspection report for any location you're considering. This gives you insight into how the location performs on safety, staffing, and policy. This information is separate from the educational approach, but is just as relevant when making your decision. On Kiddie.nl, you'll find a clear summary of this report for each location, as well as access to the full report. That way, you can be confident you're making the best choice for your child!
