Rating of kindergartens in Ghent, how to register a child

Ghent, one of the largest and most culturally rich cities in Belgium, has many kindergartens for locals and expats. Kindergartens in Ghent are divided into public and private, and they provide services for young children.

Types of kindergartens in Ghent

In Ghent, kindergartens come in a variety of formats and educational programs, allowing parents to choose the institution for their children. Each type of kindergarten caters to the different needs of families, from state institutions to small family groups. Parents can choose institutions based on their budget, location, and teaching method preferences.

Types of kindergartens in Ghent, description:

• Public kindergartens (Kleuterscholen). Public kindergartens in Ghent are available to all children, and parents can choose. Most public institutions operate programs that focus on early childhood development, including both educational and developmental elements. They often include classes on the integration of different cultures, which is especially important for immigrant families.
• Private kindergartens. Private kindergartens usually have smaller groups of children, which allows for more attention to be given to each child. Private institutions may offer special programs (e.g. bilingual education or special educational methods such as Montessori). The cost of private kindergartens in Ghent depends on the services.
• Family daycare (Gezinsopvang): This is a more personalised form of care, where small groups of children are supervised by a caregiver in their home. This format is popular with parents looking for a less formal environment for their children.

Each of these types of daycare centers is unique, which helps parents tailor their choice to their child’s needs. It’s important to consider not only financial and geographical factors, but also the educational philosophy that will best support the child’s development and social skills.

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Cost and subsidies

The cost of kindergartens in Ghent depends on several factors, such as the type of institution (public or private), the family income and the additional services the kindergarten provides. In public kindergartens (Kleuterscholen) in Ghent, the fee is calculated based on the family income. On average, the cost is between 1.5 and 7 euros per day, but can vary depending on the conditions. Families with a low income may be eligible for additional subsidies that reduce the monthly costs.

Private daycares are more expensive and can range from 500 to 1,200 euros per month. The price depends on the level of service, the curriculum and the number of additional services (such as after-school care, meals or developmental activities). Some private daycares offer discounts for families with several children, as well as programs for multilingual children.

Family children’s groups (Gezinsopvang) may have more flexible prices, but prices usually range from 15 to 30 euros per day. Often these groups operate on a co-payment system, where part of the costs are covered by subsidies from the state.

In Belgium, families can receive subsidies through the Kind & Gezin system if their child attends a registered kindergarten. Parents can also partially recoup the costs of kindergartens through tax credits (up to a certain amount per year). Popular kindergartens, especially public ones, may have a waiting list, so it is advisable to register early.

Educational program

In Ghent kindergartens, educational programs often focus on developing the child’s creative, social and cognitive skills. Educators help children prepare for further education at school through games, art, singing and physical activity. Programs are adapted to different ages, from infancy to 6 years.

Since Belgium is a multilingual country, many kindergartens offer programs in Dutch, French, and sometimes English. In Ghent, the official language is Dutch, and most public kindergartens teach in Dutch, but private institutions may have programs in other languages.

How to enroll a child in a kindergarten in Ghent

To register for a kindergarten in Ghent, parents must contact the institution of their choice. It is important to remember that the demand for places in some kindergartens can be very high, especially in public institutions. Therefore, it is recommended to register in advance.

Basic steps for recording.

1. Decide on the type of kindergarten. Choose whether it is a public, private or family kindergarten. Explore the available options on the City of Ghent website or via the Kind & Gezin platform for public kindergartens. Private kindergartens may have their own registration procedures.
2. Prepare the necessary documents. The child’s birth certificate, a health certificate confirming that he or she can attend kindergarten. The parents’ documents, such as an identity card or residence permit if you are not Belgian citizens.
3. Register on the Ghent city portal. To enroll in public kindergartens, you need to register on the official platform of the city of Ghent. Go to the Ghent city website https://stad.gent/. Log in to your personal account (if you don’t have one, create a new account). Go to the “Education and childcare” section.
4. Choose a kindergarten. On the portal or via Kind & Gezin, select several kindergartens to increase your chances of getting into a kindergarten near you. Popular state kindergartens may have long waiting lists, so it is worth applying to several places.
5. Submit your application. Complete the online application form with all the required details (including your child’s personal details, contact information and preferred start dates). It is important to submit your application early: registration for the new school year usually opens a few months before the start of school, and the dates vary depending on the type of kindergarten.
6. Wait for a response. After some time, you will receive a confirmation or notification that your child has been included on the waiting list. If there is no place immediately, you will be asked to wait or will be advised of other available kindergartens. In private kindergartens, the response usually comes faster than in public ones.
7. Visit the kindergarten to meet the staff . Once your application is approved, you will be invited to meet with the teachers and administration of the kindergarten. This is important to discuss the specifics of child care, its characteristics and the visiting schedule.
8. Sign the contract and complete the paperwork. To complete the paperwork, you will need to sign a contract between you and the daycare. Make sure you have all the details about the payments, working hours, and programs of the daycare.
9. Apply for subsidies (if applicable). If you register your child in a public kindergarten, subsidies may be automatic. For private kindergartens, you can apply for partial reimbursement through Kind & Gezin or for tax benefits.
10. Prepare your child for the start of visits. Agree with the kindergarten staff all the details regarding nutrition, sleep, and special needs of the child. Getting your child used to the kindergarten may take some time, so plan this in advance.

Kindergartens in Ghent offer a variety of programs and services to meet the needs of both local and international families. It is important to explore the different options to choose the best one for your child based on your preferences and budget.

Ranking of kindergartens in Ghent

Ghent has a wide range of kindergartens for parents to choose from to suit their child. These include both public and private kindergartens, as well as kindergartens that offer services in several languages, which is especially convenient for international families. Parents often rate kindergartens based on criteria such as staff qualifications, class size, language environment and quality of food.

There are several kindergartens in Ghent that parents consider to be among the best. Here are some of them with addresses:

• International School Ghent (ISG) – De Pintelaan 258, 9000 Ghent. A prestigious international school providing pre-school education in English. The specialty is a multicultural environment and high standards of education. Suitable for expat families.
• KDV Villa Kakelbont – Forelstraat 16, 9000 Ghent. Private kindergarten with an individual approach to each child. Educators use a variety of developmental methods, including Montessori.
• Kinderdagverblijf Het Lindeke – Rozemarijnstraat 25, 9000 Ghent. One of the popular state kindergartens with good reviews from parents. It provides conditions for early development, socialization of children and preparation for school.
• Kinderdagverblijf De Speeldoos – Kortrijksesteenweg 987, 9000 Ghent. Private kindergarten focused on child development through play. Well suited for families who value small groups and attention to the individual needs of the child.
• De Regenboog – Zwijnaardsesteenweg 52, 9000 Ghent. Kindergarten with a focus on bilingual education. An excellent choice for children from bilingual families. Diverse educational programs and creative activities.

It is recommended to visit the kindergartens in Ghent that you like in advance and talk to the staff to get a better idea of which kindergarten is right for your child. A personal visit will help you assess the atmosphere and conditions of education, as well as learn more about the teaching methods and approaches to child development. It is also important to consider the distance from home or work, the flexibility of the schedule and the availability of additional services such as after-school care or meals. Ultimately, the key factor in choosing a kindergarten is the well-being and comfort of your child, as well as trust in the teachers and the educational program.