Education

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Essentials

Pre-schools, including international Montessori Schools

The childcare system For families with babies and young children, one of the first considerations upon arriving in their new country of residence is finding quality international child care. This will include daycare facilities for babies and young children and international nursery care for 2-4 year olds. Check out our features on pre-schools and nurseries in Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain (Barcelona), Switzerland, and the UK. Expat parents need to find out about government childcare subsidies and daycare funding to make sure that they are receiving the expat pre-school they are eligible for. Also, consider international Montessori Schools and other unique services. See Expatica’s A-Z listings under ‘Family’ in the Childcare section for Belgium, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK and Classifieds under the Education section. Support groups Check out Family clubs in our Groups & Clubs category in the A-Z listings to find groups such as mothers and babies, parent and toddlers, post-and pre-natal. These groups give you a chance to network with other parents, discover more facilities and simply to socialise and have fun. Also check under ‘Support groups’ should you need advice or if your children have special needs. Expatica’s A-Z listings also carry information in the Family section under ‘Kids’. Top tips for expat families with young children With tiny tots, getting out and about is a must. Expatica articles on the Kids section include tips on where to take your little ones to let off steam, such as children’s farms, local play-parks and zoos, and some museums offer hours of amusement for you and your children. If there is water or a beach near you, then head for it – children always love to play in or around water (with a watchful adult close by). Local theme parks or tourist attractions with a high ‘child-interest’ factor will always be places to go to for ‘special’ days, and don’t forget to check out local specialities and recipes (check out Expatica’s Dining & Cuisine section) and have fun making or just sampling tasty treats. Finally, local children’s TV programmes will keep your little ones occupied and give them a taste of the local culture and language, especially if you choose not to use local childcare facilities.

Dealing with childcare as an international in a foreign country may leave you feeling overwhelmed. Colleen Geske finds out what you need to know about the Dutch childcare system to get you headed in the right direction, including forthcoming major changes to the Dutch Childcare Act.

05/05/2009 The Belgian school system

In Belgium, the state school system can seem like a minefield to newcomers. Here's a guide to help you pick your way through it.

11/06/2008 A guide to the French education system

An overview of the school system and an introduction to the French educational philosophy plus the documentation required.

30/07/2003 Honey I'm stuck with the kids! Part two

An au pair can be the perfect solution to childcare while you are at work. Here's how the system works, plus a roundup of the day-care system.

Visit our country sites

Pre-schools, including international Montessori Schools

Pre-schools, including international Montessori Schools

Pre-schools, including international Montessori Schools

Pre-school - Essential Articles

22/09/2009 A guide to the Dutch childcare system

05/05/2009 The Belgian school system

11/06/2008 A guide to the French education system

30/07/2003 Honey I'm stuck with the kids! Part two