At daycare centers, children do not always play with peers. At Villa VIP Kids, we consciously choose vertical groups, where babies, toddlers, and preschoolers grow up together. There is a good reason for this. After all, children learn an incredible amount from each other.
More and more parents are discovering the benefits of this type of childcare. Not only for their child's social development, but also for self-confidence, independence, and a sense of security.
A vertical group consists of children of different ages, usually from 0 to 4 years. Instead of moving to a new group every year, children remain in the same familiar environment for a longer period.
As a result, they build a strong bond with both the pedagogical staff and the other children. Are you curious how a familiar environment contributes to a child's development? Then read more about the familiar faces criterion.
Babies and toddlers learn a lot by observing other children. They see how older children play, talk, and develop new skills.
As a result, they are encouraged to take new steps on their own. Think of eating independently, playing together, communicating, or carrying out small tasks.
This natural form of learning ensures that children develop at their own pace, without being put under pressure.
You can read more about the development of young children on our page about your child's development.
It is not only the youngest children who benefit from a vertical group. Toddlers also develop important skills.
Older children regularly help a younger child with playing, comforting, or explaining something. Through this, they develop empathy, patience, and a sense of responsibility.
In addition, their self-confidence grows. They experience that they can make a difference for someone else and feel proud when they help a younger child.
A group with different ages is more like a family situation. Children learn to be considerate of one another and discover that everyone is different.
While playing, they learn:
Our pedagogical staff supervise these moments where necessary and encourage positive interaction.
You can read more about this in our article on emotional safety in childcare.
At many childcare locations, children move to a new group multiple times. In vertical groups, this happens much less frequently.
As a result, the environment, the staff, and many friends remain the same. This provides peace and predictability.
It is precisely this stability that ensures children feel safe and can fully focus on playing and exploring.
Read also why daily scheduling, structure, and settling in are so important for young children.
A vertical group requires professional guidance. Our pedagogical staff know exactly how to offer activities that suit different age groups.
In this way, every child receives a challenge at his or her own level, while the group still experiences activities together.
In addition, our employees continue to develop through coaching and training. Read more about pedagogical coaching and our focus on pedagogical quality as a foundation.
Many parents consciously choose childcare with mixed-age groups because of the calm and continuity.
Children build long-lasting relationships with staff and friends. As a result, they feel at home sooner, and the transition to primary school often proceeds more naturally.
Parents also experience benefits. They are in contact with a dedicated team that knows their child inside out and can track their development over several years.
At Villa VIP Kids, we believe that children learn the most from the world around them and from each other. That is why we work with vertical groups where children can play, discover, and grow safely.
Through familiar faces, personal attention, and a trusted environment, we create a place where every child can develop at their own pace.
Would you like to experience for yourself how our vertical groups work? Request a no-obligation tour or enroll your child directly.
Are you still comparing different childcare locations? Then also read how to find the best daycare center in Amsterdam or discover why small-scale childcare in Amsterdam North is becoming increasingly popular.
You will immediately see how we work, how warm the atmosphere is, and how we give every child personal attention. We are happy to answer all your questions over a cup of coffee. 