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december 2012
Anniversary Newspaper
Published to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Zo Kinderopvang & BSO
This newspaper was designed by Communicatiewaarde and printed by Albani drukkers
20 years of ZO
We are delighted to present Zo Kinderopvang & BSO’s
anniversary newspaper. Our anniversary year just flew by.
Twenty years of Zo. Zo started out as a family business; my
parents set up Zo and it has been a part of my life ever since
I was a little girl.
Winding down after school in my mother’s group. Carrying
bricks around for my father who was turning the stable behind
our house into a childcare facility. For me childcare, children,
and especially Zo, literally run in the family.
With the help of a wonderful group of people, I have been able
to expand what my parents started twenty years ago into the
organisation it is today. Zo much more! Right now we have
sixteen childcare centres and a head office, and the seventeenth
tekst
centre, which will be located at Scheveningseweg in The
Hague, is on its way. But more importantly, we have over 200
employees who make Zo shine every day. Their commitment to
Zo, each other, the children and the parents is extraordinary and
makes me very proud.
Zo is an inspired childcare organisation, that sees it as its duty
to support parents with children between the ages of nought
and thirteen, as they balance work and family on a day-to-day
basis. Not only, although most importantly, by providing the
best possible care and development opportunities for their
children, but also by offering additional services, such as a
children’s hairdresser, to the parents. The publication of this
newspaper marks the end of our festive anniversary year, but
also gives us the chance to celebrate the marvel of childcare and
the importance of providing opportunities for all children.
In this newspaper you can also read more about Stichting
Leergeld, a Dutch foundation that helps out families on low
incomes. Zo does like to look beyond its own back yard. And
we feel it is important to give something back to society. That
is why we have put Stichting Leergeld, and Jarige Job (that
makes sure children from those families get to celebrate
their birthdays) in the limelight, and have raised funds for
these foundations throughout our anniversary year. Both
foundations devote themselves to children that have to grow
up in less privileged circumstances. We wholeheartedly support
their initiative, and we hope that after reading about these
foundations you will do the same.
Last but not least I would like to thank everyone who has
contributed to the production of this newspaper. By placing
an advertisement, the proceeds of which went to Stichting
Leergeld, by designing or publishing the newspaper or by giving
an interview. The warmth and ease with which all of this was
done makes us feel truly blessed.
We hope you will enjoy reading the newspaper!
Corona Sanders-Koek
PS In the first quarter of 2013 our new website will be
launched! www.zokinderopvang.nl
Sven (4): ‘‘I get to go to after-school care today Miss,
I think it’s great!’
What is Zo?
Zo Kinderopvang & BSO is a childcare organisation that offers
more than just excellent day and after-school care. Zo aims
to support parents as they balance work and family day-today.
That is why we not only provide involved, personal and
excellent care and development opportunities, but also offer
additional facilities, such as a meals service and a children’s
hairdresser, at our sixteen locations.
As a medium-sized organisation, we have a professional
organisational structure and are able to respond to market
developments. We are proud to say that Zo is one of the few
childcare organisations that will expand in 2013.
Zo sees great advantages and opportunities in working
together with schools, sports and music clubs, community
centres, and even with Youth and Family Centres and welfare
services. Concentrating what children need around children
and integrating expertise will create an even greater place for
children and their parents to fully AUKE stimulate SMITS their development. PUBLICITEIT
AUKE SMITS PUBLICITEIT
That is why Zo tries to initiate as many such collaborations as
possible.
However, our customers are and will remain our first priority.
What do our customers and their families need? What
additional needs have arisen and how can we respond to them?
In this way Zo continues to look forward; Zo is much more than
just childcare!
What else is in the newspaper?Every child deserves a
birthday present; interview with Gerdi Verbeet, Sybilla
Dekker and Han Polman, the mayor of Bergen op Zoom;
additional Zo services and much more.
Enjoy reading the newspaper!
Wij wensen alle kinderen
een hele fijne verjaardag!
Jan van Nassaustraat 67 • 2596 BP Den Haag • Tel. 070 - 324 80 25 • www.aukesmits.nl • info@aukesmits.nl
ZO
much
more

From Snoopy to Zo
Although structured and organised childcare was very uncommon in the south-west of the Netherlands in the eighties, Marion Jansen and Sjaak Koek,
Zo’s founders, knew exactly what they wanted - and persevered. ‘Every weekend the whole family worked together to convert a stable into a
day-care centre.’
‘I‘Starting a childcare facility had been on our minds for many years,’ Marion remembers when
thinking back to the start of their organisation. She was already working with children, but had
different ideas from her employers about interacting with children. ‘I wanted a facility I could put
my own feelings into, so that I could create a warm place where children could be themselves,’ she
explains. When this facility became reality her fondest dream came true.
Snoopy
Without knowing if there was any real interest, Sjaak and Marion started their day-care centre,
although it wasn’t called a day-care centre at that time. ‘The municipality of Halsteren did not really
know what to think of our plans,’ Marion tells. ‘But we were allowed to start with the promise
that if there was enough interest we would get planning permission to convert the horse stable in
the meadow behind our house into a day-care centre.’ Daughter Corona, the current director and
owner of Zo, came up with the name for the centre: Snoopy. And the converted horse stable? Many
alterations later this centre is still part of Zo.
No financial aid
While Marion focussed on the children, Sjaak dealt with the organisation and its set-up. ‘Our wish
was to set up our own company, which would allow us to make a contribution to society. This is
why we deliberately chose not to apply for any financial aid from the government. We wanted to
ING feliciteert
Zo Unltd B.V. met haar
20 jarig jubileum.
Baby, Dreumes, Peuter, Tiener, KDV, PSZ, BSO, Brede, School, Zorg, Boeken,
Banken, Meubilair, Creatieve Materialen, Kwaliteit, Advies, Compleet,
Materiaal, Speellokaal, Speltoestel, Fietsjes, Ontwikkeling, Bedden,
Ledikanten, Knutselen, Comfort, Kantoorartikelen, Montessori, Taal, VVE, EHBO,
Hygiëne, Servies, Thematisch, ICT, Gymmen, Speelhuizen, Ontdekken, Motoriek,
Boxen, Grondboxen, Commode, Verschonen, Kasten, Leidsterstoelen, Krukken,
Tabouret, Pennen, Potloden, Verf, Papier, Constructie, Bouwen, Speeltafels,
Visuele ontwikkeling, Motorische ontwikkeling, Illusiespel, Verkleden, Muziek,
Disco, Glijbaan, Bewegingsmateriaal, Expressie, Visueel, Tellen, Sortereg,
Zelfstandig werken, Spelen, Zandbak, Zand-Watertafel, Kleien, Verven, Lijmen,
Boetseren, Knutselen, Kindcentra, Snoezelen Tekenen, Kleuren, Inrichting,
Nietmachine, inrichten, Peuter, Klantvriendelijk, Puzzelen, Combinatie-
toestellen, Zittie, BCI, Spelletjes, Eibe, Nenko, Snoezelen, Babyzitjes,
Wipstoeltje, Eetstoelen, Zitten, Slapen, Opbergen, Loungen, Speelplaats,
Speelbox, Verschonen, Motoriek, VVE, ONtdekken, Loungen, Bouwen, BSO,
Boeken, Banken, Meubilair, Totaal Leverancier, Natuur, Kwaliteit, Advies,
www.alberts-kinderopvang.nl
Peuterspeelzaal, Materiaal, Speellokaal, Speltoestel, Fietsjes, Ontwikkeling,
Bedden, Ledikanten, Knutselen, Comfort, Kantoorartikelen, Montessori, Taal,
VVE, EHBO, Meedenkend, Verschonen, Naruur, Dreumes, Beddenscan
comply with all the prevailing standards of that time, but refused to be constrained by any government
funding and the attendant interference of civil servants who at that time knew very little
about childcare,’ Sjaak explains about their motives. The guiding principle of their undertaking was
realising Marion’s vision of childcare.
A hectic start
Sjaak remembers the problems they came across during those early stages. ‘Getting permission
to set up the organisation and all the requirements a day-care centre had to comply with were
complicated. One day we even witnessed a heated discussion between the fire department and a
childcare official about the direction of the rotation of a door.’ For Marion, this first phase felt very
hectic and exciting. ‘From day one the day-care centre was a hit, many parents wanted a place for
their child. This meant hard work, for the whole family. Our house was taken over by children, cots,
playpens, bottles, juices and snacks. Mark and Corona, our own children, had to make some sacrifices,
there were extra beds in their rooms and the house was constantly filled with the sounds of
children. However, we were realising our dream and vision.’
Renovating
Despite the hectic start, Snoopy soon proved to be a success, so they could start on the conversion
of the stable. ‘Every weekend the whole family worked on the renovation. On Friday night we
would count that week’s takings, and all of them were immediately invested in the new building.
A year later it was finished. ‘We now had a proper day-care centre with a beautiful, spacious and
natural garden,’ Marion tells.
Children’s interests at heart
In the years that followed, Sjaak and Marion further expanded their company, which was the
foundation for Zo Kinderdagverblijf & BSO. The centres in The Hague were opened under the name
Crèche Teddy Bear. A whole new group of customers and a new set of local conditions. But the idea
was also a success in The Hague and the organisation continued to flourish. What was the secret
behind this success? ‘In the childcare sector your organisation needs to be well managed, well organised
and of high quality in order for you to survive,’ Sjaak explains. ‘This can sometimes cause
friction. In those situations we always separated our roles; Marion would focus on the children’s
interests and I would watch over the continued existence of our organisation, the commercial side,
so to speak. We always made sure those two sides did not get in each other’s way. This sometimes
led to difficult decisions, but in the end the children’s interests would always come first.’
Gefeliciteerd!
Als persoon en als notariskantoor ben ik altijd
betrokken bij ZO Kinderopvang. Als vader
vertrouwde ik 11 jaar geleden onze oudste zoon
toe aan de bekwame leidsters van ZO op de
2e Sweelinckstraat en onze jongste zoon heeft
4 jaar lang een fantastische tijd gehad bij ZO op
het Oosteinde. Als notaris kantoor hebben wij vele
malen Sjaak en Corona Koek mogen bijstaan bij
hun bedrijfsvoering van ZO Kinderopvang.
Ik feliciteer hun van harte met het 20 jarige
bestaan van ZO. Op naar de volgende 20 jaar!
Matthijs van den Hout (KraGd Notariaat)
Schaafwond!
Water of pleister?
Ook zo’n wildebras in huis, die regelmatig
een schaafwond heeft? Weet ú
wat u moet doen? Kijk op de website
www.ehbo.nl/ouders voor het juiste
antwoord.
Scheveningseweg 44
2517 KV Den Haag
communicatie@ehbo.nl
www.ehbo.nl

Every child deserves a birthday present
Poverty can lead to a child becoming isolated. To prevent
this from happening Stichting Leergeld (‘Tuition Foundation’)
makes sure that children are able to go to sports or
music clubs and get to treat their class at school on their
birthday.
‘If a child cannot give out treats
at school on his birthday, it
becomes a sad day’
‘Participation is the most important factor in overcoming poverty,’
explains Anita Schwab. Anita is the office manager for
Stichting Leergeld in The Hague. ‘It is not only the financial
situation that is important, but particularly the environment
a child is in,’ she continues. When there is not enough money,
children might not be able to go out and do things, so they
mainly stay at home, where hardly anyone comes by to visit.
The chances of a child being lonely will then be very high. ‘This
will prevent a child from experiencing new ideas, and from gaining
much-needed spiritual growth and development,’ Anita
Schwab explains. To overcome this isolation Stichting Leergeld
offers these children the chance to go to sports and cultural
clubs. ‘If children go out and undertake activities, they will
meet other children, with different backgrounds and interests
and from different cultures. This will help their self-development.’
Stichting Leergeld also provides the children with bikes
so that they have transport to get to activities. Being mobile is
one of the conditions for participation.
Cost saving
Mr Kools, coordinator at Stichting Leergeld in Bergen op
Zoom, and Ms Helmig, founder and intermediary, explain how
Stichting Leergeld operates. ‘Families with financial needs can
register with our foundation. An intermediary will then look at
their financial situation. If a family is eligible for a contribution,
this will either be given in kind or paid directly to a third party.
This way the money will be spent on the right causes.’ In addition
to financial support the foundation also offers advice on
how to save on costs.
Birthday treats
One of the foundation’s new initiatives is Jarige Job (‘Birthday
boy or girl’). ‘A birthday should be a happy occasion for every
child. But for some children it turns into a sad day, because, for
instance, they are not able to treat their class at school. Jarige
Job helps out those children whose parents are forced to go to
the Food Bank, by providing them with a birthday box for their
birthday,’ Anita Schwab explains. The box contains presents for
the birthday boy or girl, a treat to be handed out in class, decorations
and a cake. In the Hague area alone there are nearly a
thousand children in this position, and around 60,000 throughout
the Netherlands. Together with volunteers and children
‘These children are not just children from Jarige Job or Stichting
Leergeld, they are the children of our society and all of us should
feel a bit responsible for them’
from the Esloo school in The Hague, Anita Schwab makes sure
the boxes are packed and delivered to the Food Bank on time.
Support
Stichting Leergeld and the Jarige Job initiative would not be
able to survive without the support of other parties. ‘Some
companies offer products such as face paint, hair brushes
and mirrors. And churches and super markets collect money,’
says Anita Schwab. In Bergen op Zoom and in The Hague the
foundation is funded by the municipality. But this funding is
‘Suitable items for the birthday
boxes are always more than
welcome’
decreasing, and in both Bergen op Zoom and The Hague the
foundation has noticed an increased demand. Therefore all
support is more than welcome. ‘Companies can support us
financially, but also by donating products that appeal to children.
If people have things at home that might be suitable for
the birthday boxes, we would of course love to receive these,
‘Anita explains. Despite the funding from companies and the
municipality, Stichting Leergeld would much appreciate financial
support from society to help with these initiatives. ‘These
children are not just children from Jarige Job or Stichting Leer-
geld, they are the children of our society and all of us should
feel a little bit responsible for them,’ Anita states. Tom Kools
fully agrees: ‘Better to invest money in children now, than to be
faced with the financial consequences of a young adult that is
lost to society.’
What is Stichting Leergeld?
Stichting Leergeld was set up about twelve years ago and has
its origins in the Vincentiusvereniging (Society of Saint Vincent
de Paul). It started out by collecting funds to buy school supplies,
after teachers noticed that some of their students were
unable to buy these basic things. Now Stichting Leergeld has
grown into a national organisation that operates in several cities
throughout the Netherlands. Stichting Leergeld’s objective
is to prevent children between the ages of four and eighteen
from becoming isolated. Jarige Job is the foundation’s initiative
that aims to give all children a happy birthday.
Location manager Ilse: ‘During the last few years I have laughed and cried, learned and triumphed.
Zo Kinderopvang & BSO is a wonderful place to work, where you can learn,
develop and put your own talents to use’
Uw heldere
partner in
glas
Piket
glashandel
Westduinweg 186 B
2583 AG DEN HAAG
Tel. (070) 355 12 62
www.piketglas.nl
Wij leveren en plaatsen alle soorten glas
en kunststof en wij hebben een 24-uurs
dag, nacht en weekend servicedienst
voor spoed- en noodgevallen.
Of het gaat om uw verzekeringen,
hypotheek of pensioen, zoek dan iets
wat bij u past!
Van der Schoor & Partners heeft adviseurs die u graag beter willen
leren kennen en op een persoonlijke en deskundige manier verder
willen helpen!
Bent u geïnteresseerd? Neem dan vrijblijvend contact op met één
van onze onafhankelijke adviseurs.
T. 0174- 270380
E. info@schoorpartners.nl
W. www.schoorpartners.nl

Everyone should be able to
contribute to society
Zo also has a day-care centre in the Tweede Kamer (the House
of Representatives of the Dutch Parliament), Zo in de Kleine
Kamer (‘Zo in the little room’). As president of the Tweede
Kamer, Gerdi Verbeet was able to witness the arrival of Zo in
de Kleine Kamer at first hand. An important development in
her opinion. ‘Young parents should also be able to be members
of parliament.’
This is not the first time you have been to our day-care
centre. Why is this place so important to you?
‘I witnessed the arrival of the centre first hand. At that time
there had been quite a lot of debate about the composition
of parliament. I cannot emphasize enough how important
it is to have a mix of young and old, men and women in the
Tweede Kamer. Young parents should also be able to be a
members of parliament. This is why it is so important to have
childcare nearby. It took quite a lot of effort, but I think it is a
wonderful centre.’
What arrangements did you make for the care of your
children?
When we were little, my grandparents looked after us, while
my mother went to work full time. And I did exactly the same.
My mother had just retired around the time my children were
Childcare
reduces pressure
on parents
Han Polman, mayor of Bergen op Zoom and Arjen van
der Weegen, alderman in that municipality, both agree
that, in our changing society, childcare is becoming more
and more important. The mayor even thinks there would
be a market for 24/7 day care and the alderman strongly
believes in tailor-made policies for the youth.
Neither of them doubt the importance of childcare.
‘Children benefit tremendously from attending day care,’
says Van der Weegen. ‘My nine-year-old daughter is still
in contact with one of her friends at day care, even now
when they are not in the same school and no longer live
in the same neighbourhood. Already, several studies have
shown that childcare benefits a child’s development, both
socially and educationally.’ Mayor Polman noticed that same
development with his children, now 10, 12, 14 and 16 years
old, when they attended day care and after-school care. ‘I
remember that during Road Safety they were taught about
little, so she looked after them, together with my in-laws.
When the children were little, I combined being a mother
with university and later on with my job. They never went to
day care, but as I thought it important for them to learn how
to play with other children, I did send them to a playgroup.’
How do you feel about the respective responsibilities of the
childcare and the parents?
‘These two worlds should be in line with each other, they
should match. Parents should be closely involved with their
child’s day-care centre and school. And it is important that
the teachers at the day-care centre inform the parents about
their child’s day. Some parents would prefer to follow their
child’s every move on camera, something I do not agree
with. However, it is important to know if your child has had a
good day, or if he or she cried a lot and has or has not eaten
properly.’
Did you ever come across children from less privileged homes
during your years in education?
‘I have worked as a teacher in a neighbourhood that would
nowadays be regarded as a underprivileged area. Some
families did not have enough money to do laundry or buy new
clothes and as a result some children did not always smell too
clean. The chances of a child being excluded because of that
are high. The same goes for children who cannot come along
on school trips. I would feel really bad if school trips became
something only for children with parents who can afford
them.’
What would you wish for the children who find themselves in
these situations?
‘Childhood is when you should experience as many different
things as possible In order to find out where your interests
lie and what your talents are. I grew up during a time when
all children living in the municipality of Amsterdam could
visit museums and have music lessons, virtually free of
charge. Swimming lessons were also available to all children.
I understand that making swimming lessons compulsory is
difficult nowadays, as about 75% of the children in a class
already know how to swim. But I do hope that children
in primary and secondary school do not end up with a
disadvantage that cannot be overcome at a later stage.’
traffic rules and how to cross the street safely. We thought
this was a wonderful addition to their upbringing at home.’
Efficient and sustainable
Unfortunately, the number of children attending day care
is decreasing, but the mayor still sees some opportunities:
‘I think childcare needs to step away from its traditional,
more isolated role and should find its place in the chain
of youth organisations. By having childcare work together
with, for instance, partners in the area of sport and culture,
a new concept that centres around children will evolve. An
additional advantage of this collaboration will be the more
efficient and sustainable way in which we make use of the
available means.’
Career
Despite these opportunities, the alderman does worry
about the proposed cuts in childcare. ‘Childcare should be
just as natural as bringing your child to school or taking
him to swimming lessons,’ he says. He feels that the new
plans do not take working parents into account as much
as they should. Mayor Polman fully agrees that childcare
is a necessity for any working parent. ‘Society is changing,
we need more people working to keep the economy going
and to meet the future employment deficits. Both men and
women should be given the opportunity to advance their
careers. And childcare plays a crucial role in this. Not just
as a place to drop off your child, but to reduce the pressure
on parents so that they have all the opportunity they need
At the time of this interview at the Zo centre in the
Tweede Kamer, Gerdi Verbeet was still President.
Which role could society play in preventing this?
‘It would be wonderful if we could attempt to find a
proper middle course, where people who are better off feel
responsible for those in society who, for whatever reason,
are not able to offer their children enough opportunities. We
all have this responsibility. It would help if it was the norm
to pay a little extra for a school trip, so that all children could
go along, as the whole group benefits from undertaking and
exploring things together. Giving to charity is another good
example of helping out. One of the best things about a charity
like Stichting Leergeld is that the money goes directly to a
club or organisation, so that the money cannot be used to pay
off the parents’ debts.
One final question, what are your plans for the future?
‘I hope I will be able to continue to engage in matters that
are important to me. Involving people with democracy for
instance, and working towards emancipation. In my opinion,
everyone should be able to contribute to our society.’
GERDI VERBEET was working in education when in
1994 she decided to go into politics. In 2001 she became
a member of the Tweede Kamer and in 2006 she was
elected its President. In September 2012 her presidency
came to an end. As of 1 November she is the president
of the supervisory board of Stichting Waarborgfonds
Kinderopvang (‘Childcare Guarantee Fund’).
to continue developing. In our municipality we try to work
with rotas as much as possible, thus creating a flexible
employment market. The childcare sector could respond to
this by offering 24/7 childcare.’
Tailor-made youth policies
When it comes to the future, alderman Van der Weegen sees
an important role for his municipality in supporting childcare
as a part of the chain of youth organisations. ‘For instance
through so-called “combination officers”, officials whose
job it is to integrate different sectors such as education
and sport or education and culture. Or by offering tailormade
solutions like pre-school and early school education.
I strongly believe we can abandon the generic municipal
policy and work towards tailor-made youth policies as much
as possible.’

Enthusiastic children, pleased parents
Name: Barry van Zomeren, father of Bart (6)
Location: Zo op de Schans, Halsteren
Occupation: Logistic Engineer at Grass Valley Nederland
BV
Name: Liesbeth Kooloos, mother of Florine (9 months)
Location: Zo in de Kleine Kamer, The Hague
Occupation: Employee Planning and Control at the
Tweede Kamer (House of Representatives of
the Dutch government)
Name: Joris Volker, father of Luka (10) and Jelle (7)
Location: Zo op het Groene Hart, Halsteren
Occupation: Commercial Manager Cartoche Fashion/Van
der Steen Lederwaren
Name: Jaklien de Jong, mother of Olivier (4) and Magali (2.5)
Location: Zo aan de 2e Sweelinckstraat, The Hague
Occupation: Interim Director of Personnel and Organisation
Department at one of the ministries
Hoveniersbedrijf
NUYTEN
Voor:
- aanleg tuinen
- onderhoud van tuinen
- (ook jaar abonnementen)
- sierbestratingen
- boomverzorging
Hoveniersbedrijf NUYTEN
Moestraatsebaan 194
4614 PM Bergen op Zoom
T 0164 - 23 56 15
E: info@hoveniersbedrijfnuyten.nl
www.hoveniersbedrijfnuyten.nl
The choice of a childcare centre is important, both for children
and parents. Four parents talk about their reasons for
choosing Zo Kinderopvang & BSO, their expectations and
experiences.
Choosing Zo
Interacting with other children seems to be one of the most
important reasons for these parents’ choice of childcare. ‘This
is a good way for our daughter to get used to other children and
to other people taking care of her,’ Liesbeth says. She chose
Zo because of its location and the good things she had heard
about it. ‘This centre is literally at work, which is very convenient.
I also had some positive recommendations from my
colleagues.’
Jaklien has experienced the advantages of a day-care centre
over a babysitter at home. ‘I’ve heard friends complain about
the babysitter calling in the morning to say she is ill. They then
have to arrange for an alternative at very short notice. I’m very
happy I do not have to worry about that.’ Taking her children
to their grandparents was not an option for her as they live too
far away. Barry says that he expressly chose not to involve the
grandparents. ‘The grandparents’ only role should be to spoil
Bart. And yes, childcare comes at a price, but in return your
child gets wonderful opportunities to develop.’
Expectations
When you bring your children to a childcare centre your expectations
are high. For parents it is of the utmost importance that
it is safe, professional and offers stability. ‘Teachers who know
what they are doing and what sort of attention a child needs,
is what I expect from a childcare centre,’ Joris explains. Safety
is very important to him as well. Liesbeth agrees, and in her
opinion the term safety covers many things. ‘An unchanging
group of teachers is also part of a safe environment, too many
changes are not good. When one of the permanent teachers
got another job, it took Florine quite a while to adjust. We have
noticed she is calmer again, now that there is a new permanent
teacher.’ Barry is very happy about the ‘familiar faces’ at his
child’s group. ‘It offers clarity and structure.’
Enthusiastic children
Maybe even more important than the parents’ expectations,
are the children’s experiences. Jaklien can see that her children
look forward to going to Zo. ‘Even on the few occasions when
saying goodbye in the morning was a bit hard, Magali would always
be beaming with joy when we picked her up at the end of
the day. And Olivier even missed his teacher when he went on
holiday. As a mother it is wonderful to see that your child feels
so safe with a teacher that a strong bond develops between
them.’ Joris has also noticed that his children enjoy being at the
Verkaart Haaglanden
De Lierseweg 7-9
2291 PD Wateringen
tel 070-3091313
fax 070-3295204
Verkaart Midden Noord
Noordersluisweg 2
8243 PR Lelystad
tel 0320-222599
fax 0320-222521
childcare centre. ‘Children will always tell you straightaway if
they do not like something, but whenever they talk about Zo
they sound happy and they enjoy going there.’
Staying informed
Liesbeth’s daughter is too small to talk about her experiences,
but still she is kept well informed about her child’s day at the
centre. ‘The centre keeps notes in Florine’s personal notebook
on what happens during the day and we both talk to the teachers
about her day when we pick her up.’ Barry fully agrees
that he is well informed about his child’s daily adventures. ‘I try
to pick up Bart a bit earlier at the day-care centre nowadays.
More often than not they are still playing outside or busy with
an activity indoors. This gives me the opportunity both to see
what he is doing and to talk about his day with his teacher.’
‘Children will always tell you
straightaway if they do not like
something, but whenever they talk
about Zo they sound happy and
they enjoy going there’
Added value
All parents agree that Zo Kinderopvang & BSO has an added
value for the children and themselves. Jaklien: ‘Absolutely!
Children are socially active at a young age and undertake all
sorts of things with their peers. If I was not working, I would
never be able to offer such a wide variety of activities to my
child.’
Verkaart is niet zo maar een installatiebedrijf. Wij bestaan dankzij hard werken,
ervaring, perfecte apparatuur en uitgekiende techniek.
Vestigingen
070-30 91 313 | info@verkaart.nl | www.verkaart.nl
Verkaart Rijnmond
Zeemanstraat 15
2991 XR Barendrecht
tel 010-2921744
fax 010-2921740

Een zorg
minder
Scheveningseweg 52, Den Haag
Postbus 85563, 2508 CG Den Haag
t +31 (0)70 3615048
f +31 (0)70 3615400
www.gmw.nl
Zo International
In The Hague, the international city of peace and justice,
Zo also looks after non Dutch children. A growing part of
the international community in The Netherlands consist of
young expats, Deborah Valentine has noticed. As director of
ACCESS, the organisation supporting the international community
in The Hague, she is delighted about the collaboration
with Zo Kinderopvang & BSO.
Deborah Valentine, born in Canada and resident in The Netherlands for the past 19
years, is responsible for the daily management of ACCESS and its strategy for the
future. Another part of her role is trying to identify the people who would benefit from
support from ACCESS.
Collaboration
Zo started working with ACCESS to support expat parents as effectively as possible.
‘ACCESS gave a presentation at one of the childcare centres,’ reports Deborah
Valentine enthusiastically. ‘I thought it was a wonderful example of how Zo
employees take the time and effort to identify the issues for international children and
their parents, and how they can improve to comply with certain needs.’
Expectations
In her interaction with parents from different backgrounds Deborah has noticed that
there is a difference in expectations of childcare. ‘In Latin America childcare is much
more educational, almost similar to pre-school education. French parents are used
to their child getting a hot meal around lunch time. Being outside a lot is important
in almost every culture. But in the end every parent, irrespective of their culture,
wants a childcare centre where they feel good about leaving their child and which
their child enjoys attending. Zo Kinderopvang & BSO has a number of centres where
international children are looked after. All educational employees working here take
extra English classes to be able to communicate properly with the parents.
All information is available in both Dutch and English.
Q & A with
Ingrid van Engelshoven
Children are the future. Zo believes that every ethical investment in a child’s development is
an investment in the future of a better, stronger and more sustainable Netherlands. But at
the same time we realise that not every child gets the same opportunities to develop, as they
do not always all have a rich variety of possibilities during their childhood.
What is your wish for all children or, in other words, what
opportunities do you believe are most important for children?
Every effort should go into providing children with
opportunities. Parents, education and environment all play an
extremely important part in that. It is important that all parties
involved with a growing child are in contact with each other. If
you know each other, you can work together, and a child will
benefit from that. A child should get every opportunity to excel,
both at home and at school. And not only on an intellectual
level, but also in a social and emotional sense and through
sports and cultural activities. When we challenge children in all
these areas, you will see where the possibilities and limitations
lie.
In your opinion what role could childcare play in this?
Playing together means learning together. Childcare long ago
ceased being just a place to bring your children to during the
day. It is a wonderful opportunity to support boys and girls
in their development. There is a real increase in playgroups
and childcare actively helping children with their language
development, which will prevent problems in primary school.
As well as being a place for development, childcare is also a
Isa (3,5): ‘When can I go to day care and my friends again?’
Olivier (8): ‘Mum, can I go to the holiday care? We are going
to spray graffiti!’
Blazen!
Buren van Velzen Guelen feliciteert
Zo, Corona en alle medewerkers met
20 jaar blije kinderen.
www.bvvg.nl
Alderman responsible for Education
and Welfare in The Hague
means of supporting the employment market. By providing
childcare, parents can both work and develop themselves in
the way they want.
Do you as a working mother have any advice for working
parents?
What applies to children applies to parents as well: continue
your self-development. Giving yourself the space and time
to do so, does not automatically mean you are neglecting
your child. A child only benefits from a parent who has had an
enjoyable day at work. The moments you spend as a family
might be less frequent, but because of that will be more
intense.
Any thoughts on Zo’s anniversary?
To start a childcare centre is one thing. Carrying it on is another
thing altogether, especially these days. So an anniversary really
is something to celebrate. Parents trust you with their children,
which is not something you do lightly. You could see this
anniversary as a mark of the parents’ appreciation. I personally
would like to congratulate you and wish you all the best for the
future.

Childcare offers added value,
for parents and children
Congratulations on your Award.
Thank you! It was a very special meeting in Washington. A
hundred women were nominated, all of them in different
ways involved in improving the position of women and
minorities around the world. For instance, there was a woman
from Gambia, who started collecting plastic waste which,
together with other local women, she used to make bags and
other products to sell. The women involved earned their own
income in this way and were able to live independently. It was
wonderful to hear about all these initiatives.’
Why is this subject so important to you?
‘I come from a close family with four children. As the only girl,
I was treated exactly the same as my three brothers and had
the same opportunities as them. But some of my friends were
treated differently. The boys would be studying at the table,
while the girls had to help out in the house. This upset me a
lot.’
Your aim is for there to be more women in higher positions. Is
The Netherlands behind on this?
‘Yes, it is, but fortunately we are making good progress.
Fifteen years ago around 50% of Dutch women had a job,
currently this number is around 78%.’
Why do you think there are relatively few women in high
positions?
‘The first reason is that The Netherlands has a long tradition
of the man as breadwinner. Secondly, the government plays
a role in encouraging participation in the labour market. In
the past the Dutch government was not as active in this role
‘Cherish the combination of working
and family life in order to further
develop yourself as parents’
as some other European countries. Furthermore a proper
infrastructure for combining your private life and your work
is a necessity. So childcare and after-school care should be
available everywhere and it should be built around themes
such as quality. Since the introduction of the Dutch Childcare
Act in 2005, childcare businesses have really started to
implement this infrastructure. Of course, the cultural values
and standards of Dutch women are an influence as well.
They must want to work and realise their own ambitions
themselves.’
What would help women to achieve those high positions?
‘I am convinced that if women, the government and
employers all took responsibility for this objective, women
would have an increasingly prominent position. Employers
must create the appropriate infrastructure and preconditions,
society should start to accept women working, women will
start to work to achieve their ambitions and encourage
each other in this, men will have to take on some family
responsibilities, and adequate and appropriate childcare
should be available.’
You do not set a quota for women.
‘That is correct. I do not support quotas set by the
government. It is much more important to plan how to realise
the aim of getting more women into employment and into
high positions. Now that the government is cutting back
on the childcare allowance, many women are considering
working less.’
What is your opinion about that?
‘I feel that women often give up their own careers too quickly.
Of course childcare costs money, but it is only temporary.
Developing your career so that it fits in with what you want is
for the rest of your life. It is an investment in yourself and an
example for your children. In addition, childcare also has an
added value for the rest of a child’s upbringing, they learn a
lot socially speaking. It has a social function for the parents
as well; there is a lot of interaction between the parents.’
You have an impressive career. How did you succeed in
combining this with a happy personal life?
‘Designing your life is all about making choices. I have always
specifically chosen to develop my own talents. Of course it did
help that my husband Constant (Constant van Gestel, late
husband of Sybilla Dekker) completely supported me in this.
We have always shared the responsibilities for our personal
life and our family. If you make conscious choices, you will
find your way naturally.’
What would be your advice for working women or parents?
‘Cherish the combination of working and family life in order
to further develop yourself as parents. Really think through
your decision before stepping back from your career, try not
to do this just for financial reasons. Children grow up and
move on. It is important that, as well as being a parent, you
are yourself and that you continue to develop as a person and
as a couple.’
Sybilla Dekker was the Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning
and the Environment from 2003 to 2006. Since 2008 she
has been, among other things, chairperson of Taskforce and
Stichting Talent naar de Top (‘Talent to the top foundation’),
through which she dedicates herself to leadership and
emancipation for women.
Working together
with parents
improves childcare
Childcare in the Netherlands is already of a high quality,
but there are some areas, such as collaboration with
parents, which could be improved. With over thirty years
of experience as an educationalist in the childcare sector,
Kok van der Meer helps Zo to improve even further.
Level of quality
The educational quality of childcare comes first in
The Netherlands. This was made even more apparent
when in 2006, in my role as chairperson of the Landelijk
Pedagogenplatform (‘Dutch National Platform for
Educationalists’) I took the initiative in developing the
Pedagogisch Kader Kinderopvang (‘Childcare Educational
Framework’). There was talk of offering childcare of different
‘levels of quality’, so that parents with a lower income could
opt for a simpler form of childcare. However, educationalists,
managers and educational employees all soon agreed that
in childcare there is no such thing as a lower level of quality.
There is only one level of quality. This has been set out in
the Educational Framework and has been adopted as the
national standard by the State Secretary at that time. The
Framework not only includes requirements regarding quality
but also describes a number of ‘speelleergebieden’ (‘learning
through play areas’) and a range of activities to be used in
these areas. For day care these areas cover movement and
sensory perception, language and communication, arranging,
measuring and calculation, sound, music and dance, and
nature and expression.
Collaboration
After this I wanted to progress my career in childcare. I
noticed that parents were still seen as customers rather than
partners, so I decided to focus on collaboration between
parents and childcare.
‘Trusting their own strength
makes children strong’
In my current position as educationalist at Zo I have now
made arrangements with parents to increase the range of
activities within the ‘learning through play areas’. I really
look forward to making the areas included in the Educational
Framework even more professional, working together with
the educational employees (the professionals from the work
area) and the parents (the partners in upbringing).
If you would like to find out more about the Childcare
Educational Framework, please go to
www.pedagogischkader.nl or ask for a copy at one of our
centres. The website and the Educational Framework are
only available in Dutch.
in 5 minuten
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3743 BW BAARN
Telefoon 035 750 32 00
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Wijkcentrum de Moerkens
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Torn feliciteert de Jarige Jet
Wijkcentrum de Moerkens Wijkcentrum de Moerkens
Al 20 jaar op hoog niveau bezig met kinderopvang
Wijkcentrum feliciteert de Moerkens feliciteert
Al 20 jaar bezig voor kinderen, het dierbaarste bezit
feliciteert
Al 20 jaar net dat stapje extra
Wijkcentrum met de hun Moerkens 20 jarig bestaan.
Al 20 jaar hoge eigen stellen aan iedereen
feliciteert
die verbonden is met de organisatie
met hun 20 jarig bestaan. met hun 20 jarig bestaan.
met hun 20 jarig Bent bestaan.
u nog op zoek naar mooie ruimte voor uw bedrijf, eigen zaak of praktijk?
Bij de Moerkens is nu ruimte te huur.
Bent u nog op zoek naar mooie ruimte voor uw bedrijf, eigen zaak of praktijk? Bent u nog op zoek naar mooie ruimte voor uw bedrijf, eigen zaak of praktijk?
Bij de Moerkens is nu ruimte te huur. Wijkcentrum de Moerkens
Bij de Moerkens is nu ruimte te huur.
Kapittelstraat 21
met hun 20 4614 EK jarig Bergen op Zoom bestaan.
Bent u nog op zoek naar mooie ruimte voor uw bedrijf, eigen zaak of praktijk?
0164-273021
Bij de Moerkens is nu ruimte te huur.
info@wijkcentrumdemoerkens.nl
Wijkcentrum de Moerkens
Wijkcentrum de Moerkens
Kapittelstraat 21
Kapittelstraat 21
4614 EK Bergen op Zoom
4614 EK Bergen op Zoom
Wijkcentrum de Moerkens
0164-273021
0164-273021
Kapittelstraat 21
info@wijkcentrumdemoerkens.nl
info@wijkcentrumdemoerkens.nl
4614 EK Bergen op Zoom
0164-273021
Bent u nog op zoek naar mooie ruimte voor uw bedrijf, eigen zaak of praktijk?
info@wijkcentrumdemoerkens.nl
Bij de Moerkens is nu ruimte te huur.
Wijkcentrum de Moerkens
feliciteert
Kinderopvang
ontwikkelt
Wijkcentrum de Moerkens
Kapittelstraat 21
Kinderopvang is veel meer dan 4614 alleen EK Bergen de op Zoom
0164-273021
mogelijkheid voor ouders om te werken.
info@wijkcentrumdemoerkens.nl
Kinderen die naar de opvang gaan ontwikkelen
meer zelfvertrouwen en intelligentie. Dagelijks
zijn in alle kinderopvangorganisaties dan ook
professionals bezig met de beste manier om
kinderen tot die ontwikkeling te laten komen.
Kinderen krijgen de kans om ervaringen op te
doen, met andere kinderen te spelen, te leren,
én vrienden te maken. Kinderopvang ontwikkelt.
met hun 20 jarig bestaan.
Gefeliciteerd
Zo Kinderopvang met
jullie 20e verjaardag!
Bent u nog op zoek naar mooie ruimte voor uw bedrijf, eigen zaak of praktijk?
Bij de Moerkens is nu ruimte te huur.
Wijkcentrum de Moerkens
Kapittelstraat 21
4614 EK Bergen op Zoom
0164-273021
info@wijkcentrumdemoerkens.nl
Namens voorzitter, bestuur, directie,
bureau en alle leden van de vereniging.
Zo’s services
Balancing work and family life is quite a challenge. Zo
Kinderopvang & BSO offers services in addition to their
childcare to help you with this challenge. More information
about these additional services can be found on our website
www.zokinderopvang.nl.
Zo on Location
Do you have a business event, office party, wedding or other
party coming up? Ensure your children will have a wonderful
time as well with Zo on Location. Zo will look after the children,
offer exciting activities and creative workshops, provide cosy
and safe places to sleep and, if required, will supply healthy
and fresh food. Zo on Location works exclusively with qualified
educational employees who hold a Certificate of Good Conduct
Al bijna 20 jaar op hoog niveau bezig met
accountancy, belastingadvies en het verbeteren
van de prestaties van ondernemingen
Al bijna 20 jaar bezig met ondernemingen,
het kostbaarste bezit
Al bijna 20 jaar net dat stapje extra
Al bijna 20 jaar hoge eigen stellen aan iedereen
die verbonden is aan de organisatie
Fascinatio Boulevard 762
2909 VA Capelle aan den IJssel
Telefoon 010-4509977
Telefax 010-4580403
E-mail info@torn.nl
www.torn.nl
Zo hands out presents for its 20th anniversary!
If you would like to find out more about what Zo has to offer
or if you would like to visit one of our centres, please feel free
to contact our location manager at the centre of your choice.
You will find the contact details on our website www.zokinderopvang.nl.
If you fill in and present this voucher you will receive a small
present as a thank you for your interest in Zo.
Name of child:
Name of parent:
Email address:
and are trained in first aid for children. Zo on Location offers
flexible childcare in line with your personal wishes.
Zo Educational Services
Zo Educational Services will answer all your questions about
the upbringing of your child. From how to handle the terrible
two’s to potty-training: our educationalists will be able to
advise and support you. Zo Educational Services works in accordance
with a privacy protocol so all information which you
and the educationalists share is confidential. Zo Educational
Services operates completely independently and has no ties
with any official organisations. This means that if you ask for
help we will not direct you to child services or any similar organisation,
but will offer a helping hand with the upbringing of
your child.
Zo Children’s Hairdresser
Every eight weeks a special children’s hairdresser will visit your
Already a customer of Zo Kinderopvang & BSO?
Please cut out this voucher and hand it in: as a thank-you
for your loyalty you will get an extra day of Zo childcare for
free*!
* This voucher is valid until 30 June 2013. All Zo regulations for
requesting an extra day apply.
Name:
Location:
Name of child:
child’s centre. Nathalie, owner of children’s hair salon Kids
Only, cuts children’s hair at the Hague centres. At the centres
in Brabant Bianca has that honour. Some children find going to
the hairdresser a bit scary. This is why your child will have his
or her hair cut in the safety of the group room surrounded by
their own teacher and group members. Nathalie and Bianca are
both very experienced and will do everything to put your child
at ease. While the teacher reads to or talks with your child, they
will swiftly and professionally cut your child’s hair in the style
you want.
More information on Zo’s additional services can be found at
all our centres and on our website.
If you have any further questions, please contact
Callista Canters by phone on 070-3458563 or
via e-mail: extradienst@zokinderopvang.nl.
Zo on Location
Whether you are a customer of Zo or not, if you are interested
in Zo on Location, our additional service for your
personal party or business event, please contact us at
info@zokinderopvang.nl and we will send you a tailor-made
quote. Please fill in and present this voucher, to receive a 10% discount
on the quote.
Name of organisation:
Contact person:
Email address:
Telephone number: