BOinK, the parents' association for childcare, has issued an appeal to parents of children with additional support needs. The organization wants to gain insight into the experiences of these families within the Dutch childcare system.
Extra support in childcare
Children with additional support needs (EON) form a diverse group. This may involve children with developmental delays, behavioral problems, chronic illness, a disability, or an indication for youth care. The Childcare Act stipulates that childcare organizations must provide appropriate care, but in practice, parents and childcare providers regularly encounter obstacles.
BOinK's appeal is part of a broader effort to improve inclusion in childcare. Parents of children with EON still too often experience their child being refused, insufficient expertise being available, or the funding of extra support being unclear. The Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG) and the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment have been working for some time to improve cooperation between youth care and childcare, but the reality remains challenging for many families.
What does this mean for parents?
For parents of children with additional support needs, BOinK's appeal can be an opportunity to share their experiences and be heard. These are concrete steps you can take:
- Report to BOinK if you have experience with the care of a child with EON; both positive and negative experiences are valuable
- Know your rights: a childcare organization may not simply refuse a child on the grounds of additional support needs; there must be a disproportionately heavy burden
- Request a VVE indication if your child needs extra developmental stimulation; this can yield additional funding
- Contact the partnership in your region if a dispute arises about appropriate care
The information that BOinK collects may contribute to better agreements between parents, childcare organizations, and municipalities about the support of children with EON.
Source: BOinK