Adios 2025

Kicking off 2026 with a recap of what we've been up to at Op Stoom these past months. Too much good stuff not to share! Beautiful headscarves for our staff, so many fun activities for your child, we mark the fifth year of our partnership with the government through BES(t)4kids. And the celebration policy for children, which we adjusted in Q4 in collaboration with the parent committees. Sounds festive, but it might take you a little while to get used to, not bringing a treat to your child's birthday… no worries, because it will definitely be a fun day, we promise!

Greetings from Linda and Renate

Op Stoom loves Merrachi

 Stylish and also very comfortable in the workplace. These beautiful headscarves from Merrachi are worn with pride.

Yes, we did it!

And then the snow threw a wrench in the works. The planned groceries couldn't be delivered all week, so we had to quickly adapt and improvise.

Our facility team assessed each location's needs and went out on their own. At the checkout, there was a conveyor belt overflowing with bread, crackers, and loads  of bananas. Ultimately, every location had a full refrigerator on time. Ready for a great day!

New hobby unlocked

Learning to skate at the ice rink, ride a pony, dance, play soccer, or cook… your child can enjoy a wide range of activities at our after school care, and it could easily become a fantastic hobby. We regularly offer a series of lessons, such as six weeks of skating lessons. Discovering a hobby is easy! Some lessons take place at an external location, while others are taught by our traveling adventurers who visit the after school care.

A series of lessons replaces the after school care during that period. After this 6- to 8-week series, you'll simply return to your regular after school care. Curious when your child can register for one of these fun lessons? You'll automatically receive an email from us.

Celebration policy from February 1

We love a celebration at the groups. Starting February 1st, we'll be doing this without treats, but with attention, conviviality, and fun. What does that look like? 👉 Check out the video.

Why this choice?

  • It might take some getting used to, no more treats. But ultimately, this celebration policy offers many advantages:
  • Healthier and more sustainable; no more treats means less sugar and waste. Better for both health and the environment.
  • No more (financial) stress when making or buying treats.
  • No more discussions about whether treats are healthy or not.
  • No more refusing treats due to allergies or religious beliefs.

After school care
We also celebrate in the after school care, for example, for a birthday or farewell. Each group has its own way of celebrating. Treats are not a part of that.

Good to know
Before we implement a policy change across Op Stoom, like this celebration policy, we present it to the parents committee. They, like us, are positive about the new party policy. Would you like to join the conversation about topics like these in the future? Sign up for the parents committee! You can register through the pedagogical professionals at your location.

5 years Statia

It's hard to believe, but we've been working with childcare organizations on St. Eustatius, (also known as Statia) for five years now. The Childcare Act will take effect in 2026 on Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba, the BES islands. These Islands have been overseas municipalities of the Netherlands since 2010. Op Stoom collaborates with the Dutch government for BES(t)4kids, and we support our Statian colleagues in implementing the law.

New: toddler daycare at the Evenaar

After the fall break, we celebrated the opening of a brand new preschool in the after school care of De Evenaar primary school in Heemstede. The school's students cut the ribbon, and our toddlers walked in with beaming faces.

Our daycare is available to all toddlers in the neighborhood, regardless of which primary school they'll attend. And the best part is, we still have room! Want to register your toddler? You can easily do so at opstoom.nl/inschrijven.

Elsewhere, temporarily

The Haarlem Montessori School is being renovated, so after school care centers De HMS and De Teddyzolder are temporarily co-located at after school care location De Wissel. It's a great home for schools and after school care that need to be elsewhere temporarily.

And it's going incredibly well! Not surprising, with such a fantastic schoolyard (check out the photo!). Sooo much space for climbing, hide-and-seek, and discovering little creatures. We'll be back at our old location in 2027.

Through historic buildings

In November, some of our sporty colleagues participated in the Urban Trail Run in Haarlem. Not your typical run, but a route through historic buildings, narrow alleys, and hidden spots. Over stairs you wouldn't normally climb and through buildings you're not normally allowed to run in ;-). Sports, culture, and architecture all in one route.

Holiday plans? Don't forget about us!

We'd appreciate it if you could let us know when your child will be absent via the ParentApp of Konnect. This helps us plan properly and saves us from having to puzzle too much to arrange our staffing.