Childcare Saba

In addition to the statutory quality requirements, childcare organisations must comply with additional quality requirements set out in the Island Ordinance. These can be found here:

Download Island Ordinance Childcare Saba

It is important to provide children with healthy food and thus contribute positively to their development. The nutritional requirements lay down how food and hygiene should be dealt with by organisations working with children, and what should be offered to the children.

Nutrition requirements

1. Employees and parents are informed about the policy and agreements regarding food (food and drink) at the organisation.
2. During every eating and feeding moment, sufficient time is taken to sit down while eating and no screens such as telephones, tablets or televisions are used.
3. Adults (e.g. pedagogical employees, caregivers, teachers, coaches) lead by example: they guide the children and demonstrate healthy eating behaviour in the presence of the children.
4. Recommended portions are adhered to through positive stimulation with attention to when children have had enough (feeling of satiety). No food is forced.
5. Water is available all day. For example, chilled water, infused water with fruit, vegetables or herbs without sugar or (cold) tea without sugar.
6. Fruit is offered daily. For example, fresh or from the freezer without added sugar.
7. A varied warm meal is offered daily.

• Warm meals contain vegetables daily. For example, fresh, from the freezer or from a jar or can without added salt and sugar.
• Warm meals contain whole grain products, unless in exceptional circumstances when these products are not available on island. For example, brown rice, whole wheat pasta or whole wheat couscous.

8. Healthy snacks offered fall within the Wheel of Five. For example, vegetables, whole wheat bread with toppings, whole wheat crackers, yogurt (without fruit flavour/added sugars), dried fruit or a homemade popsicle (without added sugar).
9. Allergies and food intolerances of children are considered. Agreements about this are recorded in writing.

Food Hygiene

1. For the safe and hygienic preparation and storage of breast milk, the guidelines are followed.
2. For the safe and hygienic preparation and storage of bottle feeding, the guidelines are followed.
3. For the safe and hygienic preparation and storage of other food, the guidelines are followed.

An operating permit is required to start a childcare location. You must apply for this permit in writing with the Public Entity, addressed to the Executive Council. This also applies if you want to  change any of the details in the permit. You must enclose the following information and documents with the application:

• A copy of the business permit
• In case of a sole proprietorship: name, address, telephone number and proof of registration with the Chamber of Commerce (not older than three months)
• In case of a legal entity: names, addresses, dates of birth of the directors / board members, a copy of the articles of association, proof of registration with the Chamber of Commerce (not older than three months) and, if applicable, a copy of the shareholders register
• Proof of registration in the population register of the applicant and employees, and a copy of residence permits and/or visa
• A Certificate of Good Conduct (VOG) for the applicant and employees, not older than three months
• The maximum number of children and the age of the children per day part
• The maximum number of professionals per day part
• Opening and closing times
• The (intended) address of the childcare location
• The pedagogical and educational policy plan of the childcare location
• The step-by-step plan Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Protection Code of the childcare location.
• The health and safety policy of the childcare location
• A map of the childcare location (with dimensions of the indoor and outdoor areas)
• The proof of payment for the administrative fees

The application procedure usually takes approximately two months. This period starts once all documents have been submitted. If any documents are missing, the applicant is given four weeks to submit them. The procedure can only officially start once everything is complete. If the applicant does not submit the required documents within four weeks, the application will not be processed.

After the submission of the complete application, the EC requests advice from the Quality Committee and the Inspectorate of Education. The EC has six to eight weeks to respond. If more time is needed to review everything, the applicant is notified accordingly.

A permit is granted for an indefinite period.

• The permit is for a specific person or organisation and is only valid for the location for which it was applied.
• The permit cannot be transferred. If the name on the permit changes, this must be reported in writing to the Public Entity.

The front page of the permit must be displayed in a clearly visible manner at the location. It must state the name and address of the permit holder and the board of directors, the type of childcare and the maximum number of children (with the age) that can be cared for.

The Public Entity of Saba (Department of Community Development & Culture and Department of Public Health & Sports) provides childcare centres with pedagogical advice and supports them with questions about quality standards.