Strong pedagogical vision
We draw our inspiration from the Reggio Emilia pedagogical approach. This approach was conceived by Loris Malaguzzi. In our philosophy, we see young children as powerful, creative and social beings. We see them as producers rather than consumers, who create, think and associate. It is our responsibility, as professional workers, to enrich and support this process. Watching and listening carefully and a willingness to learn from the children is a basic requirement, which dictates how we work. The quality of the children’s environment, ‘the third educator’, is equally important. Space, light and materials, everything affects how and with what the children can engage with each other.
Full of activities
We follow the children’s ideas and fascinations and offer them new experiences by using all kinds of materials. This way, ‘projects’ gradually emerge, which we record in photos, videos, reports and stories, and sometimes audio as well. Visual material is displayed in the group rooms. This allows us, the children and the parents to look back on everything that has been created and look forward to what steps can be encouraged next.
Experienced team
Our team consists of twelve childcare workers, the cook and the manager. Two permanent childcare workers work in the group every day, who lovingly care for your child. We are a versatile and enthusiastic team. A number of staff members have a background in the arts, so music, dance and visual arts are part of the children’s daily routine. De Platanen has its own manager, Erna Verhoog. She is always willing to answer your questions.
Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is an indispensable part of daycare at De Platanen. Our cook Karin prepares fresh and varied hot meals for the children five days a week. Food is a journey of discovery and we involve the children in its preparation. They smell and taste the ingredients and see how the meal is created. For the little ones, who have just started to taste everything, Karin makes a vegetable puree. Lots of exercise is part of a healthy lifestyle, which is why we go outside daily, even in cold or rainy weather. We have a large and challenging outdoor playground with a sandpit and a water pump. There is plenty of room for cycling, running and playing. We make sure there is the right balance between challenges and safety outside. The layout of the playground, the toys and the range of outdoor activities are designed accordingly. We actively supervise children at play.
Characteristic building
We are located in an attractive building, which is a former orphanage dating back to 1700. The exterior and the large courtyard, with its plane trees and the old water pump behind the daycare, are all authentic.The daycare is located in Amsterdam’s Centrum district, smack-dab in the heart of the Jordaan neighbourhood. It has a homey and intimate atmosphere and the group rooms are spacious and bright. We eat together in our large dining kitchen. With different floors, alcoves and staircases, there is much for children to discover.
