Zo op Brede School Tholen

Horizontal childcare groups

At Zo op Brede School Tholen, we work with a horizontal groups. We carefully assess the individual development of your child to determine the most suitable group for them.

Our daycare consists of five groups:

“Ballonnen” (0 – 1.5 years)

This is our baby group, which focuses on calmness, regularity, and following the child’s rhythm. Stability is maintained by consistent childcare professionals who are familiar with the children and their corresponding routines. A warm collaboration with parents is central, aiming to incorporate familiar rhythms and habits from home. In the first year of life, children undergo significant physical development and growth. We provide space for free movement, allowing them to transition from lying to rolling to crawling to walking. Each developmental phase is accommodated in the group.

“Dansers” (1.5 – 2.5 years)

At this toddler group daycare and pre-school care meet, emphasizing language, movement, a clear rhythm, and structure. In this group we start our Early Childhood Education (ECE) program. Toddlers at this age explore physical and social boundaries. Establishing a clear structure for what is allowed and not allowed is crucial for playing with social boundaries. A daily rhythm, with a group rhythm as the guide, is essential. Toddlers also begin expressing themselves through language.

“Vliegers” (2.5 – 3.5 years)

This integrated group combines daycare and pre-school care, focusing on social development and preparing for primary school in a homely environment. All children are prepared for primary school through our ECE program. Children with an ECE indication from the consultation office and the municipality are also placed in this group. The ECE program stimulates toddlers’ development by working in small groups on speech/language development, fine motor skills and concentration. For this purpose we offer materials that stimulate development.

“Klimmer” (2 – 4 years)

This is our pre-school care group with a Christian identity. The ECE program “Bas in de Klas” aligns with this identity. Daily, pedagogical staff read from the Bible, and various psalms and songs are sung, fitting the themes and experiences of the children. The staff prays and gives thanks together with the children before meals and farewells. Children with a ECE indication from the consultation office are also placed in this group.

“Steppers” (3 – 5 years)

This group combines daycare and after school care. Here we actively engage with kindergartners during school hours. During outdoor play, toddlers interact with kindergartners on the school playground. After school, they form a mini after school care group with kindergartners aged 3 to 5. In this group we also work with an ECE program. For the mini after school care, the focus is on overall social development, challenges, and learning to manage free time (free time pedagogy). The toddler plus group focuses on preparing for primary school and providing more challenging developmental activities. The combination with after school care children allows them to learn from older children and participate in school-related activities.

Outdoor space with outdoor beds

Indoors, we have bright, cheerful, and modern spaces with plenty of play equipment. On sunny days, children can play and move around freely in the large outdoor area. There’s something for every age group to enjoy. We go outside every day for a breath of fresh air, either by playing in the courtyard or using a wagon or electric cargo bike to explore the surroundings.

Did you know that children sleep longer and better outdoors? In our garden, we have four outdoor beds where children wake up fully rested. The fresh outdoor air also contributes to higher resistance through increased vitamin D absorption. Children who are frequently cold or have respiratory infections or allergies often benefit from sleeping outdoors. Of course, as a parent, you decide whether your child can sleep outside or not.

Early Childhood Education (ECE)

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is a program designed to reduce educational or developmental gaps in young children. At Zo op Brede School Tholen, we use the program “Ben ik in Beeld” which is developed for childcare centers. The program combines essential pedagogical and didactic insights with the daily practice of childcare.

“Ben ik in Beeld” contributes to the professionalism of childcare staff and, consequently, to the optimal development of children. This allows us to accommodate children referred by the consultation office and provide extra stimulation for their language development.