Emotional security in a childcare environment

At Basker International Childcare, we provide your child with a home away from home — a place where discovering who you are and being yourself are central. When children feel comfortable they dare to explore the world around them, building self-confidence and growing into self-assured adults. Children need to feel safe and secure in their childcare environment. The Dutch Childcare Act therefore mandates that every childcare provider must ensure emotional security, meaning an environment where children feel accepted, loved, and valued.

Come as you are

Our dedicated teachers create an environment where your child feels safe and secure. We do this by being present, offering genuine attention, listening to them without judgement, communicating at their level, and making eye contact. Each morning, we welcome your child with a smile. This sets the tone for the day. And we remind them they can come as they are. Children communicate much more than what we hear with our ears. Their body language, the sparkle in their eyes, and even that little frown tells a story. At Basker International Childcare, we observe your child to understand what they need —perhaps a hug, a listening ear, or just some quiet time to read a book.

Successes are celebrated with a high five, and we also offer encouragement to persevere when something doesn’t go smoothly. It’s okay — this is a place to learn and try again. We encourage your child to try things on their own. What do they enjoy? What is challenging for them? This approach makes your child feel seen and understood.

Repetition is the key

To a parent, repetition may feel like “the hundredth time,” but children thrive on predictability. So, we often sing the same song or read the same book for several days in a row. Knowing what’s coming brings a sense of calm. At Basker International Childcare, we have a clear daily structure with consistent rituals around eating, sleeping, and playing. Whether it’s a regular cuddle before naptime or the familiar song sung before lunch, these routines create anchors of security in your child’s day.

Happy and sad

Happy, angry, scared, or sad—at Basker International Childcare, we allow your child to have all these emotions. By teaching children to recognize and express their feelings, we offer them a safe place to learn how to manage the whirlwind of emotions they might experience throughout the day. It’s okay to cry when you’re sad, to laugh out loud when something’s funny, or to feel angry when things don’t go your way. The key is that your child feels safe enough to share their emotions with our teachers. We help them navigate these feelings.

Discovering together

Playing together is more than just having fun. It’s about discovering, learning, and developing together. By playing with others, children learn to trust each other and build friendships. Whether it’s keeping the tower from toppling or solving the puzzle, it creates bonds! At Basker International Childcare, we provide a learning environment where your child can experience new things and take on challenges, either alone or with others. We store toys in a way that encourages children to find them independently and help with tidying up. We do it together!

Want to learn more?

Would you like to know more about the pedagogical goals outlined in the Dutch Childcare Act? Take a look at the pedagogical work plan of your childcare location, where all the pedagogical goals are described.