The way we care for, love, and protect our children, our seniors, and our animals shows who we are as a society. Daycare (crèche) is not simply a service; it is a foundation for development, safety, and equal opportunity for all. Member of Parliament Ruthlyn Lindor emphasizes that this topic is a fundamental priority for the future of Aruba.
No child is forced to attend daycare in Aruba, and this will never be the intention. In Aruba, compulsory education (leerplicht) begins at age four. This was introduced with a clear goal: to bridge the gap in early development and guarantee that every child has access to structure, education, and socialization at the stage where it matters most. According to MP Ruthlyn Lindor, the balance between protection and opportunity must remain central to all political decisions.
“As a mother, I understand how precious a child’s early years are. If circumstances allowed, I am sure every parent—both mothers and fathers—would prefer to stay home as long as possible with their baby to nurture them, create a bond, and guide their first steps. But for many families, this decision is determined by economic realities.”
Balance Between Family Life and Economic Reality In today’s global economy, many parents return to work when their baby is only six to eight weeks old. This is not a matter of preference, but of necessity. At that moment, parents entrust their precious babies entirely to the daycare system. MP Ruthlyn Lindor indicates that this trust demands a strong response from the government. This trust is one of the greatest responsibilities a society can carry.
If we ask parents to participate in the labor market, then as a country, we must ensure that while they do so, their children are safe, cared for, and guided in an environment where they can grow and flourish.
More Than a Law: A System That Works The law on childcare (kinderopvang) is essential, but it is only the starting point. What truly protects children is the system built around that law. MP Ruthlyn Lindor underlines that implementation and oversight are essential to achieving real results.
We must ensure that:
- There are quality standards for every daycare. These standards must be constantly reviewed, enforced, and monitored.
- Daycare leaders and caregivers are equipped not only to supervise but to guide children in their development through play (spelenderwijs).
- There are active and effective supervisors (toezichthoudernan) conducting inspections.
- Daycares are held accountable for the safety of the children under their care.
The Early Years: The Foundation for All That Follows Early childhood shapes language, emotional security, and social connections. This is where children develop trust, form relationships, and begin to understand the world around them. When we guide children well during these years, we strengthen their path toward education, behavior, and general well-being. Therefore, we cannot lose sight of our children during this critical phase. According to MP Lindor, investing in the first years of a child’s life is a direct investment in the future of our country.
Inclusion from the Start A strong childcare system must be inclusive from the beginning. Every child, regardless of their developmental needs, must have access to a safe and stimulating environment. Because every child counts, and every child deserves the opportunity to develop to their maximum potential.
