What do you need to do if you want to set up a childcare activity in the French speaking Community of Belgium?

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Citizen Mobility in Europe provides you with basic information on how to set up a childcare activity in the French speaking Community of Belgium.

 

Two types of early childhood day-care facilities in the french speaking community of Belgium

There are two categories of childcare facilities in the French speaking Community of Belgium:

  • childminders or co-childminders
  • crèches (kindergarten), which have organisational power in the form of a legal entity and hire the appropriate staff

 

What to do?

Diplomas

First, check whether you have the necessary qualifications. Here are the recognised diplomas.

  1. childminders
  2. All professions: 
  3. If you do not have a diploma issued in Belgium, you must apply for recognition of your diploma: http://www.equivalences.cfwb.be/

 

Accreditation

You must obtain an authorisation from O.N.E. The location of the childcare facility will be assessed to obtain this authorisation. The file can therefore only be examined once you have a location in the French speaking Community of Belgium and after you have followed a preparatory process that will be explained to you during the first information session.

O.N.E.’s legislation will provide for the verification of several conditions required to deliver quality childcare for young children.

 

Mandatory information session

You will be required to attend an information session prior to the constitution of your file:

In 2022, these sessions will be held online.

 

Legislation in the interests of the child

You will have to meet legal and quality requirements, develop a childcare activity project, etc.

 

Funding

It is sometimes possible to apply for funding (Stork Plan aka Plan Cigogne +5200). The granting of subsidies is not automatic.