# Teddy Kids — Full Content > Bilingual (English + Dutch) daycare and after-school care in Leiden, the Netherlands. Founded in 2004 — over 20 years of warm, internationally inclusive childcare across multiple locations. Ages 0–12. Sister school: TISA (Theodore International Startup Academy). This is the extended, full-content version for AI agents and answer engines. The curated index lives at /llms.txt. ## Programs ### Teddy Kids Nursery Program (3 months - 2 years) Nurturing bilingual care for babies and toddlers from 3 months to 2 years old in a warm, stimulating environment. ### Teddy Kids Preschool Program (2 - 4 years) Bilingual early learning program for children 2-4 years, preparing them for school with play-based activities. ### Teddy Kids After-School Care (4 - 12 years) Bilingual after-school care with structured activities and free play for school-aged children. ### Theodore International Startup Academy (4 - 12 years) Specialized English-focused curriculum that bridges to international primary education. ## Locations ### RBW – Rijnsburgerweg 35 Our largest, most international location, full of light and language. - Address: Rijnsburgerweg 35, 2334 BH Leiden, Netherlands - Programs: nursery, preschool - Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 - 18:30 - LRK (Dutch childcare register): 467490533 ### RB3/RB5 – Rijnsburgerweg 3 & 5 A bright, beautiful & social location, right near downtown Leiden. - Address: Rijnsburgerweg 3-5, 2334 BA Leiden, Netherlands - Programs: nursery, preschool, afterSchool - Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 - 18:30 - LRK (Dutch childcare register): 304133553 ### LRZ – Lorentzkade 15a Our playground paradise, right near downtown Leiden. - Address: Lorentzkade 15a, 2313 GB Leiden, Netherlands - Programs: afterSchool, tisa - Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 - 18:30 - LRK (Dutch childcare register): 222936113 ### TISA Leiden Our flagship bilingual international school where global citizens begin their educational journey. - Address: Lorentzkade 15a, 2313 GB Leiden, Netherlands - Programs: tisa - Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 - 18:30 - LRK (Dutch childcare register): 237220672 ### ZML – Zeemanlaan 22a A former office reimagined into a modern, cozy daycare — creative, bright, and full of room to play. - Address: Zeemanlaan 22a, 2313 SZ Leiden, Netherlands - Programs: nursery, preschool - Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 - 18:30 - LRK (Dutch childcare register): 205183438 ### TISA Portugal International bilingual school in Lisbon, Portugal. - Address: R. São Sebastião da Pedreira 27, 1050-010 Lisbon, Portugal - Programs: tisa - Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 - 18:30 ## General FAQs ### What is bilingual daycare? At Teddy Kids, we speak English and Dutch in every group—children learn both languages naturally through daily play and interaction. ### From what age can my child start? From 3 months old. We care for babies, toddlers and children up to 12 years in our after-school programs. ### Is Teddy Kids suitable for expat families? Absolutely! We’re international, communication is English-friendly, and we guide you through Dutch childcare systems. ### What are your hours? Monday to Friday, 07:30–18:30. ### Do you include meals? Yes—healthy snacks, warm lunches, and all dietary needs covered. ### Why choose Teddy Kids for my child? Teddy Kids offers a unique combination of bilingual education, experienced staff, and a warm, internationally inclusive environment. Since 2004 — 22 years and counting — we've nurtured thousands of children with our play-based approach that balances language development, social skills, and academic foundations. Our locations in Leiden provide purpose-designed spaces with outdoor gardens, healthy meals, and a supportive community for both children and parents. ### When was Teddy Kids founded? Teddy Kids was founded in 2004 in Leiden, starting with one location and a vision to create a truly bilingual environment for children. Over 22 years, we've grown to multiple locations while maintaining our family-run approach and commitment to quality care and education. ### Which languages are spoken at Teddy Kids? At Teddy Kids, we primarily speak English and Dutch in all our groups. Each group has at least one native English speaker and one native Dutch speaker. Many of our staff are also fluent in additional languages including German, French, Spanish, and more, reflecting our international community. ### What is Teddy Kids' educational philosophy? Our philosophy combines play-based learning with elements from Montessori and other international approaches. We believe children learn best through exploration, creativity, and positive social interactions. Our bilingual environment enriches cognitive development while our prepared spaces encourage independence and curiosity. We focus on the whole child—developing social-emotional skills alongside language, cognitive, and physical abilities. ### How old are children at Teddy Kids? We welcome babies from 3 months up to preschoolers of 4 years in our daycare programs. Additionally, we offer after-school care (BSO) for children aged 4-12 years. Each age group has dedicated spaces and activities tailored to their developmental stage. ### Why does Teddy Kids use horizontal age groups? We organize children into horizontal age groups (babies, toddlers, preschoolers) because each developmental stage has unique needs. This approach allows us to create perfectly tailored environments, activities, and routines. Children benefit from interacting with peers at similar stages, while our educators can specialize in age-specific care and learning approaches. ### What does the Nursery program (0-2 years) include? Our Nursery program provides loving care in a gentle, sensory-rich environment. We follow each baby's individual feeding and sleeping schedule while introducing age-appropriate activities that support motor development, language exposure, and emotional security. Babies enjoy tummy time, music, simple games, and outdoor experiences, all narrated in both English and Dutch by our attentive educators. ### What does the Preschool program (2-4 years) include? Our Preschool program builds independence, social skills, and early academic foundations through play-based learning. Children engage in art, music, storytelling, early math concepts, and outdoor exploration. Our bilingual approach means all activities happen in both English and Dutch, preparing children for either Dutch or international primary education. We incorporate elements of Montessori philosophy with self-directed activities and prepared environments. ### What activities are offered in the After-School Care (BSO)? Our After-School Care (BSO, ages 4–12) blends free play with a rich activity programme. Each month the group explores a different country through our "country theme", and every child keeps a personal theme passport of what they've learned. Alongside this we offer seasonal clubs with specialist instructors—dance, tennis, football, chess and drawing—plus regular outings to museums such as Naturalis and Boerhaave, the library and local playgrounds, and optional weekly swimming lessons for ages 4½ and up. Everything happens in both Dutch and English, supporting children from Dutch and international schools alike. ### What is the TISA program at Teddy Kids? The TISA (Theodore International Startup Academy) program is our specialized English-focused curriculum that bridges to international primary education. It incorporates more structured learning activities while maintaining our play-based philosophy. The program is ideal for families planning to enroll their children in international schools, providing a smooth transition with familiar educational approaches and stronger emphasis on English language development. ### What is the Teddy Kids developmental approach? We organise childcare in three arcs: The Attachment Arc (0–2) is about safe attachment, sensory environments, and One Person One Language bilingualism. The Discovery Arc (2–4) is about curiosity, project-based learning, and "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen" communication. The Independence Arc (4–12) is about confidence, real responsibility, and the freedom to have a non-orchestrated childhood. ### What does a typical day look like at Teddy Kids? A typical day includes a warm welcome, free play, circle time with songs and stories, structured activities (art, movement, language), outdoor play, meals and snacks, rest time (for younger children), and more play-based learning. The exact schedule varies by age group, but all include a balance of active and quiet times, individual and group activities, and indoor and outdoor experiences—all delivered bilingually. ### Are meals included at Teddy Kids? Yes—children enjoy a warm midday lunch plus healthy snacks (fresh fruit mid-morning and a snack in the afternoon), freshly prepared by Moekes Maaltijd, a children's caterer in Utrecht, using largely organic, seasonal ingredients. Meals are primarily vegetarian with designated meat days (full vegetarian on request), and ours is a 100% peanut-free environment. We serve family-style to build healthy eating habits and table manners, accommodate dietary and cultural needs such as halal, dairy-free and allergy-safe, and never force a child to eat—but always encourage them to try something new. ### How do you handle nap times and sleeping arrangements? We have dedicated sleeping areas with individual cribs for babies and cots for toddlers. We follow each child's individual sleep routine and parents' preferences while adhering to safe sleep guidelines. Babies sleep according to their own schedules, while older groups have a scheduled rest period after lunch. Our staff includes certified baby sleep coaches who can support healthy sleep habits. ### Is there outdoor play at Teddy Kids? Absolutely! Every location has a secure garden or playground used daily, weather permitting. We believe outdoor play is essential for healthy development, so children go outside at least once a day for fresh air, physical activity, and nature exploration. Our outdoor spaces are designed with age-appropriate equipment and natural elements that encourage different types of play and learning. ### How do you communicate with parents about their child's day? We use a secure parent app that provides daily updates, photos, and information about your child's activities, meals, naps, and developmental milestones. Parents receive real-time notifications and can message staff directly through the app. We also have regular parent-teacher meetings, newsletters, and informal daily check-ins during drop-off and pick-up times. All communication is available in both English and Dutch. ### How do I enroll my child at Teddy Kids? The enrollment process begins with filling out our online application form or contacting us directly. We'll then invite you for a tour of our facilities and discuss your needs and preferences. Once you decide to proceed, we'll confirm availability and send a placement agreement. After signing the agreement and paying the registration fee, your child's spot is secured. We'll then arrange a personalized transition plan with gradual settling-in sessions before the official start date. ### Is there a waiting list for Teddy Kids? Waiting lists vary by location, age group, and desired days. Popular days (Tuesday-Thursday) and certain age groups may have longer waiting periods. We recommend applying as early as possible, even during pregnancy for infant care. Priority is given to siblings of current children and full-time enrollments. We can often accommodate part-time requests by matching complementary schedules. Contact us for current availability information specific to your situation. ### What are the fees for Teddy Kids? Our fees depend on the age group, number of days, and specific program. All fees include meals, snacks, diapers, and regular activities. We offer various attendance options from 1-5 days per week, with discounts for multiple days and siblings. Please contact us for a personalized quote. Many families qualify for the Dutch childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag), which significantly reduces out-of-pocket costs. ### Can I receive the Dutch childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag)? Yes, Teddy Kids is a registered childcare provider, so families who meet the requirements can apply for the Dutch childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag). Generally, both parents must work, study, or participate in a work reintegration program. The allowance amount depends on your income, number of children, and childcare hours. We can provide all necessary documentation and guide you through the application process with the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst). ### What are Teddy Kids' opening hours? Teddy Kids is open Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 6:30 PM. We're closed on Dutch national holidays and for a few staff training days throughout the year (announced well in advance). Extended hours may be available at certain locations for parents with early/late work schedules—please inquire about this option if needed. ### How do I register my child at Teddy Kids? You can register online for free using the form on our Apply page. Once submitted, we’ll contact you to discuss availability and next steps. ### What happens after I register? After receiving your application, we check availability and invite you for a tour if there’s a match. You're always welcome to visit. ### Is there a waiting list? Depending on your preferred days and group, we may place your child on a waiting list. As soon as a spot opens, we reach out. ### Are there any costs for registration? Registration is completely free—there are no fees until you accept a placement offer and sign the contract. ### How much is the childcare allowance in the Netherlands? The latest 2026 childcare allowance schedule sets the maximum hourly rate at which the government reimburses costs—the exact amount you receive depends on your income, number of children, and contracted hours. We help parents navigate the application with the Belastingdienst. ### Do I pay less if I drop off late or pick up early? Your monthly fee is fixed and based on your contract days—not on actual hours of attendance. ### How and when do I receive my invoice? Invoices are sent around the 17th of each month. You can pay via automatic debit or Tikkie. ### Can I cancel without a fee before signing the contract? Yes. There are no cancellation fees before a final placement offer and signed contract. ### How does Teddy Kids support expat families? We provide comprehensive support for expat families, including assistance with childcare allowance applications, multilingual staff, and cultural integration. All communication is available in English, and we help navigate Dutch childcare regulations. Our international community creates a welcoming environment where families connect and share experiences. We understand the challenges of raising children abroad and offer flexibility with contracts for families on temporary assignments. ### How does the Dutch childcare system work? The Dutch childcare system is regulated by the government to ensure quality and safety. Licensed providers like Teddy Kids must meet strict standards for staff qualifications, child-to-teacher ratios, facilities, and educational programs. The government subsidizes childcare through the childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag), making it more affordable for working parents. Children typically attend daycare until age 4, when they start primary school, and may then attend after-school care (BSO). ### Will my child become fluent in both English and Dutch? Most children at Teddy Kids develop strong skills in both languages, though individual results vary based on exposure time, age of entry, and home language environment. Our immersive approach with native-speaking teachers creates natural bilingual development. Young children (0-3 years) typically absorb both languages effortlessly, while older children may take a few months to become comfortable in their non-dominant language. We track language milestones and provide regular updates on your child's progress. ### How does Teddy Kids prepare children for Dutch or international schools? We prepare children for both Dutch and international primary education pathways. Our curriculum develops key school readiness skills including language, pre-literacy, early math concepts, social skills, and independence. For children heading to Dutch schools, we strengthen Dutch vocabulary and cultural familiarity. For those continuing to international education, our TISA program provides additional English-focused activities and international curriculum elements. We maintain relationships with local schools to ensure smooth transitions. ### Do you offer flexible contracts for expat families? Yes, we understand the unique needs of expat families and offer more flexible contract terms than is typical in Dutch childcare. While we generally require a minimum commitment of three months, we can accommodate shorter terms for corporate relocations with proper notice. We also offer assistance with contract transitions if you need to change locations within the Netherlands, and can provide documentation for employer childcare reimbursement programs. ### What qualifications do Teddy Kids staff have? All our educators have professional qualifications in early childhood education, meeting or exceeding Dutch regulatory requirements. The team is anchored by long-serving heroes: Meral (15 years — our heartbeat), Svetlana (20 years — our light), Antonella (our flow), and Zina (leading our pedagogical approach). Christina leads RBW, Hanrike leads RB3 and RB5, and Adela leads LRZ. In 2026 we also welcomed Vera — a colleague who supports the team with admin and scheduling so educators stay 100% focused on the children. All human staff undergo continuous professional development, regular training, and background checks. ### What is the teacher-to-child ratio at Teddy Kids? We follow Dutch guidelines for teacher-to-child ratios, which ensure quality care and individual attention: 1 educator per 3 babies (0-1 year), 1 per 5 toddlers (1-2 years), 1 per 8 preschoolers (2-4 years), and 1 per 10 school-age children (4+ years). These ratios allow our educators to provide personalized care, respond to individual needs, and build meaningful relationships with each child. ### Will my child have consistent caregivers? Yes, we prioritize consistency in caregiving relationships. Each child is assigned primary educators who are present on their attendance days. We maintain stable group compositions and minimize staff turnover through supportive workplace practices. This consistency helps children develop secure attachments and trust, which are essential for healthy social-emotional development. When staff changes are necessary, we manage transitions carefully with proper introductions and adjustment periods. ### Are your teachers native speakers of English and Dutch? Yes, we ensure that each group has at least one native English speaker and one native Dutch speaker, creating an authentic bilingual environment. Many of our international staff are native speakers of additional languages including German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and more. All non-native speakers have demonstrated proficiency in their teaching languages. This linguistic diversity reflects our international community and enriches the cultural experience for all children. ### Where are Teddy Kids locations? Teddy Kids has multiple locations in Leiden. Our main centers include Rijnsburgerweg (RBW) and Lorentzkade (LRZ). Each location has been thoughtfully designed to provide a safe, stimulating environment with dedicated spaces for different age groups, outdoor play areas, and modern facilities. All locations follow the same high-quality standards and bilingual approach, though each has its own unique character and community. ### What are the differences between your locations? While all locations follow our bilingual approach and quality standards, each has unique characteristics. RBW (Leiden) is our largest center with extensive outdoor space and proximity to the Bio Science Park. LRZ (Leiden) offers a welcoming, garden-rich space on Lorentzkade. The age groups, available days, and specific facilities vary slightly between locations. We're happy to discuss which location might best suit your family's needs during a personal tour. ### What security measures are in place at Teddy Kids? Child safety is our top priority. Our facilities feature secure access systems with coded entry, CCTV monitoring of entrances, fully fenced outdoor areas, and strict pick-up authorization protocols. All staff are trained in emergency procedures, first aid, and child protection policies. We conduct regular safety drills and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios for proper supervision. Our buildings meet or exceed all Dutch safety regulations for childcare facilities. ### What are the outdoor spaces like at Teddy Kids? Our outdoor spaces are designed as natural extensions of our learning environment. Each location features age-appropriate play equipment, gardening areas, sensory elements, and both sunny and shaded spaces. We incorporate natural materials, plants, and opportunities for exploration. Safety surfaces under climbing equipment, secure fencing, and careful supervision ensure children can enjoy outdoor play safely. We use these spaces daily, weather permitting, for physical activity, nature education, and fresh air. ### Is there transportation between schools and Teddy Kids BSO? Yes, for our After-School Care program, we provide supervised transportation from partner schools to our BSO locations. Depending on the distance, this may be walking groups (with safety vests and proper supervision) or our dedicated Teddy Kids vans driven by certified staff. We coordinate closely with schools regarding dismissal times and have established pick-up points. For schools further away, please inquire about specific transportation arrangements during enrollment. ### Who is Vera at Teddy Kids? Vera is our newest colleague — she joined the team in 2026. She supports the team with admin and scheduling through Nest Messages and internal tools, during extended hours, so educators can focus 100% on the children. Vera supports the grown-ups, never the children directly — that's a hard rule. ### What does Vera actually do? Vera handles the admin layer — answering 2 AM parent questions, helping with scheduling, drafting documentation, routing complex questions to humans. She protects the team's time so they can be fully present with children. ### What events does Teddy Kids organize for parents? Three flagship annual events: Career Day (April) where parents share their profession with the kids, International Day (June 13) — our 23-year celebration with cultural food festival, kids fashion show, and prizes (theme park trips, gift cards, pizza nights), and Peurbakkentocht (June 26) where Team Teddy joins Leiden's famous canal parade. All free, all open to families. ### Does Teddy Kids offer free tools for parents? Yes — visit teddykids.nl/pdf for our free PDF Compressor. Drop a PDF, choose Document mode (keeps text selectable, ~50–90% smaller) or Scanned mode (max compression for image PDFs, ~80%+ smaller). Fully browser-based — your files never leave your device. Perfect for emailing scanned permission slips or homework. ## Nursery (0–2) FAQs ### What does my baby need to be able to do before starting? Two things need to be in place before the first day, both for your baby's safety and calm. First, your baby must be able to drink from a bottle — if you breastfeed, please practise one bottle of expressed milk a day for at least six weeks before the start, and label every bottle with the name and date. Second, your baby must be able to sleep in a crib or bed on a flat surface in a sleeping bag; we don't use blankets or rock children to sleep. If your baby isn't there yet, our Teddy Kids Sleep Coach is happy to help, and we can postpone the start if needed. This is care, not policy for its own sake. ### How does settling in (the try-out period) work? You get up to 10 free try-out days before your official start, so your baby can get to know the group, the teachers and the rhythm before daycare really begins. We shape the pace around your child: it might start with you and your baby exploring the group together for half an hour, then gradually longer stays on your baby's own. Early on, if your baby cries for more than 15 minutes we come and get you, pause for that day, and try again next time. Ten days is the full window, not a requirement — and if your baby needs more time, we extend by a week free of charge. Daycare begins when your child is ready. ### How many babies does one educator care for? We follow the Dutch staff-to-child ratios: 1 educator per 3 children up to 1 year, and 1 per 5 children aged 1 to 2. Trainees and activity leaders are always counted on top of these numbers, never instead of a qualified educator. Each group has fixed, familiar faces so your baby builds trust. ### Do babies follow a daily rhythm, and how do naps work? The youngest babies follow their own feeding and sleep rhythm, which you share with us during the try-out. From around six months a gentle, predictable flow usually emerges: arrival and a milk feed, fruit mid-morning, a morning nap, milk and lunch around midday, an afternoon milk feed and a small snack, then calm play until pick-up by 18:30. Most babies sleep 2.5–4 hours across the day, with the midday nap the longest. Babies sleep in their own bed in a sleeping bag — no blankets — and we settle them gently rather than rocking them; for safety, comfort items aren't allowed in the bed. Many children move to one daytime nap between 12 and 18 months. ### How do babies learn two languages? We use the OPOL method ("one person, one language"): each group has a Dutch-speaking and an English-speaking educator who each speak only their own language. Our educators are trained to narrate everything they do, so your baby naturally links words to objects and actions in both languages. Children quickly learn which educator speaks which language. ### What do babies eat, and can you follow our feeding wishes? We build your baby's menu around your instructions, from breast milk or formula through to solids. When the time is right for vegetables, fruit and bread, babies enjoy fresh, natural food from Moekes Maaltijd, a children's caterer in Utrecht. Meals are primarily vegetarian with designated meat days (full vegetarian on request), and ours is a 100% peanut-free environment. We accommodate dietary and cultural needs such as halal, dairy-free and allergy-safe in-house where possible, and arrange a bring-your-own plan by prior agreement where it isn't. ### How do I stay informed about my baby's day? Each day one teacher leaves the group 15 minutes early to write the Daily Story — a short summary with one or two photos — shared in Nest. We don't send morning messages and don't use phones during group time, so our full attention stays on the children; if something important happens we contact you straight away. Every child is given a mentor on day one (visible in Nest) and their own growth book with hand and footprints, first drawings and milestone notes. Want a longer conversation? Send a message in Nest to request a meeting. ### When does my baby move up to the next group? Children move up when they're ready, not by age alone — usually between 12 and 18 months. We look for signs such as being able to eat small pieces of food, napping independently in a bed, being comfortable with some solo play, relying less on bottles, and moving around confidently. We always plan the transition together with you so the move is smooth and well-timed. ## Preschool (2–4) FAQs ### What does a typical preschool day look like? Preschoolers thrive on structure. A day runs roughly: 07:30 welcome, 08:45 morning circle, fresh fruit, then indoor or outdoor activities, a warm lunch around 11:45, nap or rest time at 12:45, a healthy snack around 14:45, more activities, and pick-up through 18:30. The predictable rhythm gives children comfort and stability while leaving room for flexibility. ### How many preschoolers does one educator care for? We follow the Dutch staff-to-child ratios: 1 educator per 8 children aged 2 to 4. Every group also has a Dutch-speaking and an English-speaking educator, and each location has a Dutch-speaking head teacher on top of the team who can step in whenever needed. ### How do you handle potty training? We start potty training when your child shows they're ready or when you've already begun at home. From around 2½ years we gently encourage children to join toilet moments, with clear fixed times during the day and lots of positive reinforcement — children love sticking stickers on their chart. We keep it pressure-free: if there are three accidents in a day, we put the nappy back on and try again the next day. We never force it. ### How does bilingual learning work for preschoolers? Children aged 0 to 7 are in the ideal window for simultaneous language acquisition. We use the OPOL method, with a Dutch-speaking and an English-speaking educator in each group and activities offered roughly 50/50 in both languages across the week. This builds two well-developed language systems and gives your child a head start — bilingual children often have a larger vocabulary and stronger cognitive flexibility. ### What do preschoolers eat for lunch? Children get a warm lunch in the middle of the day, freshly prepared by Moekes Maaltijd, a children's caterer in Utrecht, using 100% natural, seasonal and largely organic ingredients. Meals are served family-style to build healthy habits and table manners, primarily vegetarian with designated meat days (full vegetarian on request), in a 100% peanut-free environment. Children are never forced to eat but always encouraged to try new things. We accommodate dietary and cultural needs such as halal, dairy-free and allergy-safe. ### Do children play outside every day? Yes — we think it's important to go outside at least once a day, and every location has its own outdoor space where children can move freely. We stay inside only in extreme weather: below -5°C, above 30°C (on hot days we avoid outdoors between 12:00 and 15:00), or in heavy rain. A few times a year, children aged 2 and up go on outings such as the library or playground, always with at least two educators and signed parental consent. ### How do you track and share my child's development? Every child has a mentor — a fixed educator who follows their development and whom you can always see in Nest. The mentor carries out an observation every six months and shares the findings with you in person. When your child moves to a new group we plan a 10-minute conversation, and before the move to primary school we complete an observation form to pass on key development information (you choose whether to share it with the school). ## After-school (4–12) FAQs ### What ages is the after-school care for, and what are the hours? Our after-school care (BSO) is for children aged 4 to 12 and runs year-round. On school days we care for your child from the end of school until 18:30. During school holidays, study days and strikes, we open full-day from 07:30 to 18:30 — full-day care is automatic on those days, so your child always has a place to return to. ### How does my child get from school to the BSO? We collect children from school ourselves, using our Stint (the "BSO bus") for transport to and from school and on outings. For safety, children must be able to reach the floor with their feet to travel in the Stint. We pick up from a range of local schools around our Lorentzkade and Rijnsburgerweg locations — just ask us whether your child's school is on our route. ### How many children does one educator care for at the BSO? We follow the Dutch staff-to-child ratios for after-school care: 1 educator per 8 children aged 3–4, 1 per 11 children aged 4–7, and 1 per 13 children aged 7–12. Trainees, activity leaders and volunteers always work on top of these numbers. Each group has fixed faces, including a Dutch-speaking and an English-speaking educator. ### What do children do at the after-school care? Plenty — and much of it is the child's own choice. Each month we explore a different country through our "country theme", and every child keeps a personal Teddy Kids theme passport of what they've learned. Alongside free play we offer seasonal clubs with specialist instructors — dance, tennis, football, chess and drawing — plus regular outings to museums (Naturalis, Boerhaave and more), the library and nearby playgrounds. Everything happens in both Dutch and English. ### Can my child take swimming lessons? Yes. Children aged 4½ and up can join weekly swimming lessons on Wednesdays at Poelmeer pool, with taxi transport and expert instructors included. Lessons are optional — just let us know if you'd like to sign up and we'll walk you through the current costs and schedule. ### Do children eat at the BSO? Children enjoy a healthy snack after school, and a warm organic dinner from Moekes Maaltijd is available on request for a small per-meal cost (you can buy a strip card of meals). As at our daycare, meals are largely organic and we accommodate dietary and cultural needs. ### Why does my BSO invoice show more hours than my child attends? BSO officially opens at the earliest school closing time, and our team begins earlier to prepare the group and ensure safe arrivals across different schools. So a typical BSO day of about 3.5 hours may show up to 5 hours on the invoice. These hours cover travel between schools and group preparation, and are billed evenly across all families to keep things fair. You are eligible for childcare allowance from the moment BSO officially opens — even if your child arrives later. ## Enrolment & contracts FAQs ### How many days a week does my child need to come? Four full days a week is the sweet spot — children settle into the routine, the teachers, the songs and the friends waiting for them each morning. If you need a lighter schedule, three-day contracts are possible when they include a Wednesday or Friday. The goal isn't attendance for its own sake; it's the consistency that helps children grow. ### Can I change or cancel my contract later? Yes — life with children changes, and contracts can too. You can adjust your care plan at any time with no penalty fees (scan the QR code at the group door and we'll guide you), and book occasional extra days through Nest without changing your contract. To cancel, let us know before the 10th of the month to avoid being charged for the next month; cancellations after the 10th count for the following month. Once a contract ends, your child's reserved spot is released. ### What happens if my child is absent — do I get anything back? When you mark an absence in advance, two bonus options open up. For a short-term absence marked at least 24 hours ahead, you receive Teddy Coins — usable for a non-contracted extra day, valid for two months (subject to availability). For a long-term absence of more than three consecutive weeks, you can request a 5% cashback on the missed days; it must be requested by email to info@teddykids.nl before the break begins, and is processed after you return. ### How does payment work? Payment is due by the 25th of each month, and automatic direct debit (incasso) is required for all families. If a payment is more than five days late, Teddy Coins are frozen and extra days can't be requested until it's settled, and in some cases attendance may be paused until payment is received. ### How do I apply for the Dutch childcare subsidy (kinderopvangtoeslag)? Most families are eligible if both parents work or study. The subsidy is paid monthly by the Dutch government (usually around the 20th), and you must apply within three months of your child's first attendance, so don't leave it late. You apply or calculate your benefit at www.toeslagen.nl — we can't apply on your behalf, but we're happy to guide you through it. ### Is there a discount for a third child? Yes. Once your family has reached 72 months of cumulative childcare across two or more children, a third-child discount becomes available. It applies to the third child in daycare (not BSO), must be requested with management when you register your third child, and there can be no outstanding invoices when applying. ### Does my child need to be vaccinated to attend? Yes. To protect the health of all children and staff, Teddy Kids asks that all children attending daycare or after-school care follow the Dutch national vaccination schedule, as advised by the RIVM, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, and the World Health Organization. If you have any questions, email us at info@teddykids.nl. --- Source: https://www.teddykids.nl · Generated from the Teddy Kids website content.