The different types of nurseries

Understanding Childcare & Family Services in Belgium: ONE vs Opgroeien

In Belgium, childcare regulations and terminology depend on the region and the community. The ONE (Office de la Naissance et de l'Enfance) oversees the French-speaking system (Wallonia and parts of Brussels), while Opgroeien (Kind en Gezin) manages the Flemish system (Flanders and parts of Brussels).

To help you navigate easily, MyNursery categorizes these solutions into three main pillars:

◆ Family-Based Care (Accueillant(e)s / Onthaalouders)

This option offers a smaller, "cocoon-like" family environment, usually organized at the caregiver's home or a small shared space.

• French-speaking system (ONE): An independent caregiver can host up to 4 children full-time (maximum 5 simultaneously). Two caregivers can team up (Co-accueil) to host up to 8 children (maximum 10 simultaneously). Caregivers can be independent or salaried via a supervised service (SAE).

• Flemish system (Opgroeien): Known as Opvang in Gezin, hosting a maximum of 8 children simultaneously. Following ongoing quality reforms in Flanders, this target is moving towards a maximum ratio of 7 children present per guide.

◆ Group & Collective Care (Crèches / Kinderdagverblijven)

Larger facilities managed by teams of qualified childcare professionals (educators, pediatric nurses).

• French-speaking system (ONE): A Crèche accommodates a minimum of 14 children (evolving in brackets of 7, such as 21, 28, 35, etc.) aged 0 to 3 years. The standard framework targets a ratio of 1 caregiver per 7 children present.

• Flemish system (Opgroeien): Known as Opvang in Groep, these centers host more than 8 children, usually divided into smaller peer groups of up to 18 children. To guarantee optimal care, Flemish staff-to-child ratios are strictly monitored (aiming for 1 caregiver for 5 babies under 12 months or 8 toddlers).

◆ Out-of-School Care & Activities (3 to 12 years)

Because family life continues well after toddlerhood, MyNursery places a core focus on services designed for school-aged children. This is the ideal place to find extracurricular solutions, morning/evening supervision, Wednesday afternoon activities, and school holiday camps.

• In Flanders / Brussels: This includes specialized IBO initiatives (Initiatieven voor Buitenschoolse Opvang) and local BOA activities (Buitenschoolse Opvang en Activiteiten).

• In Wallonia / Brussels: This covers ATL services (Accueil Temps Libre), supervised school extensions, and specialized holiday camps.

◆ Specific & Emergency Services

To support parents during unexpected situations, specific emergency frameworks exist mainly under the ONE network:

• SAEMD: Specialized sick-child home care services (Services d'Accueil d'Enfants Malades à Domicile) to support parents when a child cannot attend their usual facility.

• SASPE: Crisis and emergency care services for immediate, short-term placement of children aged 0 to 7.