If the council agrees during the council meeting on October 21, 2025, toddlers with a VVE indication can start at a VVE daycare in Maastricht from January 1, 2026, starting at the age of 2. Between the ages of 2 and 2.5, these toddlers will receive 8 hours of care per week. From 2.5 years, this will be expanded to 16 hours per week. Parents pay a contribution depending on their income. Alderman Johan Pas: We want to offer all children a good start in education. This way, toddlers with a possible (language) delay are supported in their development for a longer period of time.

Why this change? 

In Maastricht, there are many places for VVE, close to home and often in or next to primary schools. Toddlers with a VVE indication receive extra help, for example, if they have difficulty with language or speak a different language at home than Dutch. Currently, these children only start at the age of 2.5 years. However, research and signals from childcare and schools show that many children already have a significant delay by then. Some children also start too late because parents do not go to the consultation bureau on time. The youth health care is currently working on a way to assess children earlier so that they can start on time. Research from Utrecht University shows that it is beneficial to provide toddlers with more hours of VVE offerings, which is made possible by starting from the age of 2. Childcare and schools in Maastricht also support this plan.

What do we want to achieve?

• Children receive help with their development for a longer period
• The language level at the start of school improves
• Help and care can be deployed earlier
• More children can participate in regular childcare and education

 If the city council agrees, this change will be included in the new subsidy scheme that will start on January 1, 2026. Together with the involved partners, we will communicate with parents so that they are informed and can make use of the offerings.