Dikkertje Dap Centrum

Welcome to Dikkertje Dap Centrum, our small-scale childcare centre right in the heart of Rotterdam. We are located on the ground floor of Kindcentrum Het Oude Westen at Van Speykstraat 109, where we have been officially registered as a day-care facility since October 2021. In one calm, vertical group we offer places for up to ten children aged 1 to 4. Dikkertje Dap is part of the Van Veldhuizen Foundation, which has been providing “Kinderopvang Plus” in Rotterdam for more than sixty years. Our concept is designed for vulnerable children and their families. From the very first meeting our Pedagogical Staff, Family Adviser and Pedagogical Consultant work intensively together with parents and the child’s existing support network. We review each child’s development at least three times a year in a case consultation and always discuss the outcomes with you. Everything we do revolves around small groups and tranquillity. The room is deliberately arranged with quiet corners where children can withdraw and feel safe. Two consistent pedagogical staff members know every child well and can respond to individual needs. In the vertical group toddlers learn from the younger children and the older ones have the chance to help the little ones – just as happens at home. Our early-years education is woven into daily play. We use the programmes “Plus in het Kwadraat” and “Samen voor Taal” to stimulate language and cognitive development. Think of story time, singing, counting while tidying up and conversations during meals. Everything proceeds at your child’s pace and always in consultation with you. A placement at Dikkertje Dap Centrum usually lasts between nine months and a year. Together we look for a suitable next step, such as a regular playgroup, primary school or, if necessary, specialist support. We are proud to have stood beside families for sixty years and to set both child and family development in motion.