Daycare: growing with care and attention
At Hero kindercentra, we warmly welcome children from birth to four years old. In a safe and nurturing environment, we support each child’s development in a way that suits their individual needs. Through personal attention, children feel seen, heard and understood. Every child grows in their own way and at their own pace, becoming the best version of themselves. With 20 daycare locations across Haarlem and Spaarndam, there is always a suitable childcare centre nearby.
Groups
Each child belongs to a familiar home group with dedicated childcare professionals. Hero kindercentra mainly works with age-based groups.
For young children, a safe and secure environment is essential. When children feel comfortable and confident, they are free to explore the world around them. They build strong bonds with their trusted caregivers, creating warm and caring relationships. One-to-one attention is especially important for babies. That is why we spend lots of time cuddling, playing, and talking with them. And of course, we make sure there is plenty of fun, because fun makes every day even better!
Attention
At Hero, we always take a positive approach. We are genuinely interested in each child’s world and carefully observe and listen to understand what they need. This helps children feel seen, heard, and understood, supporting their social and emotional development.
We stay close to the children, both physically and emotionally. We adapt to their pace and provide guidance, care, and communication with patience and our full attention.
Sleeping
Sleep is important for young children as it helps them process their experiences and impressions. All Hero daycare locations have separate sleeping rooms. Some locations also offer outdoor sleeping cabins, inspired by Scandinavian childcare practices. These weatherproof sleeping spaces allow children to sleep outdoors, where fresh air can help them rest more deeply, calmly and for longer periods of time.
Eating & drinking
We believe healthy food should also be enjoyable. The food and drinks provided at all our locations follow the guidelines of the Dutch Nutrition Centre and offer a varied and balanced selection.
Our menu includes products rich in essential nutrients and vitamins. Whenever possible, we use fresh ingredients and when that is not possible, we choose products without refined sugars and with as few artificial additives as possible.
Children who are able to eat and drink independently can make their own choices. We encourage variety to help broaden their tastes and support healthy eating habits. Parents are also welcome to provide chilled breast milk or special dietary food when needed.
Activities
Every day, we organise fun activities tailored to each child’s age and stage of development. Activities focus on one or more developmental areas, including language, thinking skills, social development, creativity, and motor skills.
We also offer toddler gymnastics and music sessions. Throughout the year, we work with engaging themes that remain central for approximately five weeks at a time.
The interior of our daycare locations
The design of our daycare centres plays an important role in children’s development. Some educational experts even refer to the environment as the “third teacher” (the first being the child and their peers and the second the adults around them).
Children tend to run around in an empty room, while a thoughtfully designed environment invites them to play. And play is one of the most important ways children learn and develop. Creating opportunities for development is at the heart of Hero kindercentra’s educational approach.
Going to daycare for the first time
Is your baby about to start daycare for the first time? This is a big step for both parents and child. Spending a few hours or even a whole day apart requires trust, and at Hero we deeply appreciate the confidence families place in us.
To help make the transition as smooth as possible, we provide helpful tips and guidance for parents preparing for their child’s first days at daycare.
Boink
Boink is the Dutch Parents’ Association for Childcare. Their website provides useful information and advice to help parents choose the childcare option that best suits their family.
Looking for a daycare centre near you? Visit our location page to find your nearest Hero kindercentra location.
