I sent out an email to the mums and dads in my network to ask for their tips on childcare facilities in Eindhoven.
This is a tough one. Culturally, in the Netherlands, most women go back to work, even if it's part-time, quite a lot earlier than non-Dutch mothers. So a question I'm often asked is "What are your plans after the baby is born?" I find it difficult. I can't get my head around the idea of not caring for you (in a practical sense) before you turn a year old. But the normal time to put a child into care is 10 weeks. Yes, weeks, not months. I've been told that being 24 weeks pregnant, I'm rather late in making a shortlist and registering, but these things happen, don't they my love?
So, it's sensible for your Soul Papa and I to research some possible nurseries (and potentially schools) to get on the register and be able to register if we decide that I will go to work (even if it's one day, or two, or three, or part days).
We are interested in giving you an anthroposophic upbringing, and that starts with how we go about feeding and clothing you as a baby, through to childcare, and education. What does that entail? Natural materials, organic food, eco-cleaning products and nappies, toys that spark imagination (and aren't pre-imagined for you) as well as giving you the freedom to play and be aware of your body in order to give you a sense of autonomy and independence from a young age. Above all, treating you like a person and not an object.
Here are is the short list I've gathered in the past 24 hours.
- There are 2 "vrije" or free schools in Eindhoven which are anthrophosically based:
- Vrijeschool Brabant in Woensel on Nuenenseweg. The nursery is called De Kleine Prins - love this name. Lots of good things heard. The open day for the school is on Sunday 1 April and hopefully that counts for the nursery too. - - De Regenboog in Stratum, on the Mimosaplein. There's an open day on Sunday 25 March.
These two above both have childcare facilities. The Vrijeschool Brabant primary school is more ‘old school’ and could be described as a bit more protected or traditional. De Regenboog is more open to how the world is today and mixes regular pedagogy with anthroposophy.
Verdict: must visit both. Open days might be on right now. One of my contacts said: "We really believe in the approach of the Vrije school, it's so beautiful to see how they go about guiding the children. They pay attention to the head, heart and hands. They playfully learn how to use everything, using both left and right sides of the brain." This friend went on to say how it's really the right place for her daughter as she's so creative and curious. - Humanitas on Paradijslaan in the Centrum. They use the Pikler method which is complementary to anthroposophy. I'm curious.
- De Blauwe Krokodil. I think it's a fairly standard sort of childcare, but might be worth visiting to get an idea of the differences between what I'm searching for and what is 'normal'.
- Gastouders - this is a sort of nanny where lots of kids (probably up to 8) go to the host's house where, normally a woman, will mind a range of kids from babies to pre-schoolers. I have been invited to go along to see what one such gastouder is like - she lives in a mansion in the fancy side of town and there's a gigantic backyard! Looking forward to that!
- The Kids Company, reputed to the be the most expensive facility in Eindhoven, which isn't much of an incentive. It's a standard, non-anthroposophic facility.
- De Kersentuin was recommended to me from a friend of a friend, who's been really happy with it. I love the photo gallery here. Definitely going to visit this one.
- The Schatkamer. Website looks psychedelic, but I think we should go visit. The name means "treasure room" and the word for "treasure" in Dutch is another way of saying "darling" or "sweetie".
- There's another De kersentuin in Geldrop, which is out of the way a bit. No website :(
- consultation bureau which is anthroposophic. Given that our GP is an anthroposophic doctor, it makes sense to take the baby to a baby clinic with the same philosophy.
- sign up to lots of places for childcare because we're a bit behind in terms of time. We might not get the "days we want" - Tuesdays and Thursdays are always the hardest days. No one wants to put their kids in care on Mondays and Fridays (what with the weekend in between!)
- "oh, and don't be scared to go and visit nurseries - during the day (so not at pick up or drop off times) to get a feel. I went to one and i hated it (and it looked great on paper)"
Love, your Soul Mama and Soul Papa
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