New phase, same Op Stoom

The previous owners of Op Stoom have now officially handed over the baton to the owners of CompaNanny. The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) granted its approval in February, which is great news. For our employees — and for you as well — Op Stoom remains simply Op Stoom. We’re continuing just as we always have, doing what we do best.

Recruiting staff, for example. The challenge of retaining enough employees has become the new normal in this tight labor market and requires constant attention. We see that most people join Op Stoom through informal networks, everyone who works here loves children. Word-of-mouth recommendations work very well, and perhaps you also know people who might be interested. In this edition of our Q, you’ll see that we offer various training programs that qualify you to work with children. So who knows!

Kind regards,
Linda and Renate

Equal opportunities for children

We want every child to have a good start, and the early years play a crucial role in this. That is why Op Stoom is introducing VVE (early childhood education and care). This program is intended for children who hear little Dutch at home or who are not yet offered much language exposure. Through the child health clinic (consultatiebureau), children can receive a “GO” indication for a VVE place at childcare. In that case, the government contributes to the costs.

Our pedagogical professionals who work with toddlers are currently being trained in the VVE program Kameleon100, based on the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy — a program that aligns well with the way we already work with children.

A toast to the future

On March 3, the owners of Op Stoom officially handed over the baton to the owners of CompaNanny. Renate and Linda remain the Op Stoom directors team and they were both present to raise a toast together to the bright future for Op Stoom.

From dream to diploma

For us, the “Ik Stoom Door class” has become second nature. We hire inspiring people who are not yet fully proficient in Dutch and support them through training and education. Learning Dutch works well in the classroom, but by working with children our colleagues really take off! They start as additional staff members in assistant roles and, at their own pace, work toward obtaining the required language diploma. Of the current group, 7 out of 14 colleagues have already passed this quarter, with the rest set to follow soon. How great is that!

Preparations for the new group starting in October are well underway. Our very own top models have stepped in front of the camera to help recruit new colleagues. If you’d like to know more, take a look at ikstoomdoor.nl.

A visit from teenagers

For 30 students from various secondary schools in Haarlem and Velsen, this was anything but an ordinary school day. On March 3, they “applied” with us during the On Stage-event. Not long after, at the end of March, they spent part of a day shadowing a group to experience what it’s like to work with children.

A fun and accessible way to get to know the profession of pedagogical professional — and who knows, it might spark an interest for more!

Friday the 13th️

Everyone who works at Op Stoom knows this: every Friday the 13th, we celebrate. Sometimes on a small scale, sometimes in a bigger way — but always gezellig, together with colleagues. #everydayyourfavoriteday, even on Friday the 13th.

How lucky we were to have Friday the 13th twice this quarter — in February ánd March.

Work and learn at Op Stoom

Good news: in June, we are starting a new class to train as a pedagogical professional (MBO level 3). There are still a few places available.

So do you know someone who:

  • gets energy from working with children
  • is ready for something new
  • thinks: this sounds amazing!

Then this is their chance.

You’ll learn the profession directly in practice, with good guidance and a supportive team behind you. No prior experience required — just enthusiasm, curiosity, and a desire to grow. We cover the full cost of the MBO level 3 training to become a pedagogical professional. You’ll be warmly welcomed into the team and receive a salary from day one. Sounds good, right?

Fun fact: Op Stoom has been offering MBO training programs for new staff since 2009.

Sign up here for the new class.

New: De Planeet

Yes, our new daycare centre De Planeet in Haarlem is open! What started back in 2016 as a plan to build a beautiful daycare in Haarlem-Noord has finally become a reality. Originally, it was intended to be just a daycare location, but because our partner school next door (Zonnewijzer 1) is being renovated, they have happily moved in with us as well, together with BSO De Planeet.

Heading off on holiday? Don’t forget us!

If your child won’t be attending, please let us know via the Konnect Parent App. This really helps us plan ahead and organise our team smoothly.