Discover the Benefits of Bilingual Childcare
Bilingual childcare and its benefits
Relocating to a new country is a significant transition. From the language and surroundings to the way childcare is structured, many aspects may feel unfamiliar. Bilingual childcare can provide valuable support during this period, helping children adjust more smoothly and feel at home sooner.
Why choose bilingual childcare?
For expats, the language barrier can be a challenge. You want your child to feel at home and have the opportunity to learn Dutch. At the same time, you want them to maintain their mother tongue. Bilingual groups offer the perfect balance. For example, in the bilingual groups at CompaNanny, children hear and speak at least 50% Dutch and at least 30% English each day.
Good to know: As an expat or international family, choosing bilingual childcare is not mandatory. If you prefer so, your child is also more than welcome in Dutch-speaking groups.
The features and benefits of bilingual childcare
Children in a bilingual group often follow the same daily routine as those in a Dutch-speaking group. Still, some things are special about bilingual childcare. At CompaNanny, bilingual childcare is different from regular childcare in these ways:
- Bilingual guidance
Each group always has one Dutch-speaking and one English-speaking Pedagogical Employee. They also speak their own language with each other, so it is clear and consistent for the children. - Language throughout the day
We describe actions, ask open-ended questions, and sing songs in both languages. We read stories in Dutch and in English, but not back-to-back. This way, children build recognition without it becoming repetitive. - Focus on different cultures
The activities we do with the children not only stimulate language development but also introduce them to different cultures in a playful way. We choose books, songs, and games that explore traditions, diversity, and inclusion. - Visual support
We use daily schedule cards to show what’s coming up. This helps children understand what to expect, even if they don’t know all the words yet. - Tailored communication with parents
We speak to parents in their preferred language (Dutch or English), making communication clear and personal.
Bilingual childcare in The Hague
Have you recently moved to The Hague with your family or are you working here? Then you might be looking for bilingual childcare for your child. In The Hague, there are several options for bilingual childcare where your little one can quickly feel at home. CompaNanny offers bilingual childcare at their locations in Benoordenhout and the Archipel neighbourhood.