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Playgroups

At the toddler playgroup, your toddler’s world is expanded. Just like at home, he is allowed to play at the playgroup (2-4 years old). With peers, so that he learns to listen and stand up for himself. With the same daily rhythm as at primary school, so that your child will be better prepared for this. All while playing and pressure free, because they’re still so young.

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Find a playgroup in your area

    What does my child do at the toddler playgroup?

    At the toddler playgroup, your child is basically free to play with whatever he wants to play with at any given moment. Whether that is cooking at the toy kitchenette or doing groceries in the toddler shop.

    And we do activities every day that stimulate your toddler’s developmental areas. We work with themes that include spring, art, family and stuffed animals… We read books about animals, your child crafts the most beautiful creations from soft cuddly materials and in the gymnasium, we set up an obstacle course consisting of as many giant stuffed tigers and lions as we can find. 

    And one of our toddlers’ favourite games? Guess the animal! How many legs does it have, does it have a long neck, is it hard or soft, does it have a long or short tail? Which animal do you think this is? This, among other things, stimulates their vocabulary in a playful manner.

    How much does the playgroup cost?

    How much the playgroup costs depends on several factors. For example, whether you and your partner work. And whether your child is eligible for early childhood education (VE). You will find the amount that applies to your situation on our rates cards. Our client advisors can also be of assistance if you need help. You can reach us on 035-628 58 79.

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    How often can my child attend the playgroup?

    Your child is welcome to attend our playgroup in Hilversum or Soest for two half-day sessions (so morning or afternoon) a week. Does he require extra help, for example with the Dutch language or socio-emotionally? Then he may attend the playgroup four half-sessions a week. The child healthcare centre will indicate whether your child is eligible for this and will then receive a VE-indication. Please ask the child healthcare centre if you would like to know more.

    Uk & Puk

    We use the early child education programme Uk & Puk; these are targeted activities that allow your toddler to explore independently. We do this with help from Puk, a cheerful-looking hand puppet. Because Puk experiences things that children can relate to, they enjoy talking and playing with Puk.  If, for example, your toddler has a hard time talking about something or resolving a conflict, the pedagogical staff can help your child with Puk’s assistance. Puk participates in the activities, and we include him in the group’s daily rituals.

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    VE-indication

    Some children are deemed eligible for early childhood education (VE-indication) by the child healthcare centre. This happens, for example, if Dutch is not spoken in the home, or if a child might develop a language delay because of illness, hearing impairment or special circumstances at home. The toddler is then entitled to four half-day sessions at the toddler playgroup. You do not pay any extra parental contribution for the two extra half-day sessions.

    We work with a special programme, so that we can stimulate and supervise these toddlers in language, maths and motor, emotional and social skills.

    Anthroposophical toddler playgroup

    Zonnestraaltje is a playgroup with an anthroposophical foundation. A great deal of attention is paid to the individual child. Zonnestraaltje is located in the building that houses the free school De Windkanter.

    8.00

    ‘Hello, how lovely to see you again!’ We make small talk to make your child feel welcome. He then gets to play with mummy and daddy with anything he feels like for fifteen minutes. Then it’s time for a see-you-later kiss goodbye.

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    8.15

    ‘Good morning, how lovely to see you again. Who are you sitting next to? Do you know?’

    After our welcome song in the circle, we start with the day with Puk. Puk is a cheerful hand puppet that experiences things that toddlers can relate to. If your child struggles to talk about something or, for example, to resolve a conflict, our pedagogical staff can help, with assistance from Puk. Puk participates in the activities and is included in the group’s daily rituals.

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    9.00

    Your child is free to play. There are various age-appropriate materials available, such as a building corner or the doll corner.

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    9.30

    Are you coming? We’re going to do an activity! Giants & Gnomes is the current theme. We’re going to compare feet: are yours smaller or larger than Puk’s? And which of your fingers is larger: your thumb or your pinkie?

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    10.00

    Cucumber, a rice cracker or maybe a kiwi: you know best what your child prefers. If you pack their preferred snack in the morning, we take this time to sit together at the table and eat it.

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    10.30

    We put on our coats and go outside. Climbing, biking, playing with sand and spades. There’s enough to do in our playgroup’s garden.

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    12.00

    ‘Bye, it was great to see you!’ Hopefully, your child will have plenty of stories to tell you about what he experienced and learned at our playgroup.

    We have assumed that a child comes in the morning. Children attend the toddler playgroup for half a day, so that can also be in the afternoon. (Starting) times may vary per location.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    When can I register my child for the playgroup?

    You can register your child for a playgroup from your child's first birthday.

    Can my child attend a playgroup one half day a week?

    We prefer to see children at least two half days a week at our playgroups. Only at playgroup Montessori-Centrum in Hilversum one half day of care is possible.

    Can I get a tour of the toddler playgroup?

    Yes, you are more than welcome to come by. During a tour, you will hear more about our childcare and will get a good impression of the indoor and outdoor spaces. Call the toddler playgroup directly to make an appointment.

    Is there an adjustment period before my child starts?

    Yes, during the introductory interview, we will decide together what will be the best way for your child to feel at home at the location. At the playgroup a child will acclimatise at least once. Please note that you must remain available for your child during the settling-in days.

    Do you have an English-speaking playgroup?

    Bink has one English-language playgroup: International Playgroup in Hilversum. This gaming room is located on the grounds of IPS Hilversum. VE is not used here.