Born to be Young

Through childminder agency Born to be Young, parents can apply for childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) from the Belastingdienst (Dutch Tax and Customs Administration). To be eligible, you must meet conditions, including that you use a registered childminder via a registered childminder agency. The agency offers help with applying for the benefit and makes a non-binding calculation of the expected amount. Parents receive both the childcare invoice and the childcare benefit (if entitled) monthly around the 20th. The agency also refers to the trial calculation tool of the Belastingdienst for a first indication.

The costs of childminder care (gastouderopvang) consist of two parts: the hourly rate of the childminder (freely determined by the childminder) and fixed agency costs. Agency costs for care at the childminder's home are €45.00 per month for one child, €22.50 for the second child, €15.00 for the third child, and free for the fourth, fifth and sixth child. For a childminder at home (nanny), the agency costs are €150.00 per month per family. Childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) can be applied for on both the childminder rate and the agency costs. The agency calculates a non-binding customised quote with hourly rate and expected benefit. There are no additional registration fees and payment starts in the month when care actually begins.

Childminders are selected based on legal requirements and additional quality criteria. Legal requirements are: at least 18 years old, suitable diploma or certificate, valid paediatric first aid certificate, Certificate of Conduct (VOG) with screening profiles 84 and 86, registration in the childcare persons register, and registration in the National Childcare Register. Additional requirements are: mental and physical health, stable family and childcare situation, open and flexible attitude, willingness to provide care for at least 1 year, neat appearance, no smoking around children, ability to provide continuity, and sense of responsibility. Childminders must also have a passion for working with children and be willing to engage in professional development.

Born to be Young works in accordance with the Childcare Act and all childminders are registered in the National Childcare Register. The agency is inspected annually by the Municipal Health Service (GGD) by appointment, while childminders receive unannounced visits at least once every 2 years. All inspection reports are publicly available via the National Childcare Register. The agency has collective liability and accident insurance for childminders and children, and works with a risk assessment for safety and health that is carried out annually. In addition, there is a reporting code for child abuse and transgressive behaviour.