“It takes a village to raise a child.”
This timeless proverb reminds us of the importance of communities working together, both in the past and today to nurture children and support families.
As a mother and educator who has lived and worked in multiple countries, I’ve experienced firsthand how cultural differences can shape our expectations of childcare.
Moving abroad to explore the world often means adjusting to new standards and practices, but with open-mindedness, creativity, and clarity, it’s possible to find the right fit for your family.
For families adjusting to life in a new country, finding the right childcare solution is about more than convenience. It’s about recreating that sense of connection and trust that helps children thrive.
Whether it’s a daycare, an au pair, or a nanny, the right support system can help parents balance their lives while ensuring their children feel cared for in a safe, nurturing environment.
This blog explores the many options for childcare abroad, the benefits of each, and how they can help you build a modern-day village no matter where in the world you call home.
What is Childcare Abroad?
Childcare abroad offers diverse options tailored to families living outside their home country, from professional services like daycare centres and au pairs to informal community support. These options cater to all children ages, ensuring care and support for varied needs.
When I moved from Australia to the Netherlands, I encountered a different approach to childcare. In Australia, the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) shaped care with its focus on learning through play, child-centred approaches, and inclusivity. It guided children to develop their identity, connect with the world, foster wellbeing, and become confident learners and communicators.
In the Netherlands, childcare often featured brightly coloured, compact urban spaces and many children in larger groups, with staff-to-child ratios limiting individual attention. Unlike Australia, centres are not required to employ staff with a Bachelor of Education, which may impact structured learning and educational outcomes.
However, the Dutch system has strengths, offering flexible options like half- or full-day care, longer opening hours for working parents, and care for very young infants. Over time, I blended my expectations with local practices, combining support from my husband’s family, au pairs, babysitters, and the Dutch ‘Vrijeschool’ (Waldorf) system to meet our needs.
This experience taught me that every system has its strengths and that finding the right fit requires understanding your family’s unique needs.
Types of Childcare Available Around the World
Families living abroad have access to various forms of childcare, each with its own benefits and challenges.
Daycare and Preschool Programs
Structured international day care centres and preschools are ideal for toddlers and preschoolers, focusing on early education through activities that support social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Globally, approaches to daycare vary. In the Netherlands, mothers often return to work after three months, with daycare facilities equipped to care for infants as young as three months. Longer opening hours and flexible arrangements help working parents. In contrast, in Australia, many mothers take up to a year off, with daycare typically starting at six months.
Meanwhile, Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Denmark provide heavily subsidised childcare, with a focus on play-based learning and outdoor activities. These systems promote gender equality by enabling both parents to return to work while ensuring high-quality care.
Across the world, the goal of daycare and preschools remains the same: providing a nurturing environment for young children while supporting the needs of working families.
Au Pairs and Nannies
Au pairs and nannies provide flexible, in-home childcare solutions, with au pairs offering unique opportunities for cultural exchange and language learning.
After the birth of my third child via planned caesarean, I found myself managing three children under four while recovering from major surgery in a foreign country. Seeking emotional and physical support, I decided to hire an Australian au pair through Nina.care.
This was exactly the support I needed in such a vulnerable time, while helping my children stay connected to their Australian roots. This choice allowed them to enjoy the comfort of their home culture while embracing the community-oriented values of Dutch life. Our lovely au pair became an integral part of our family, blending both worlds seamlessly and enriching our everyday lives.
Community and Informal Care
In some parts of the world, families rely on informal networks like neighbours, friends, or relatives. This approach can foster a sense of community and belonging, though it may lack the structure and consistency of professional care.
Specialised Programs
Many families explore programs that prioritise specific values, such as bilingual education, outdoor play, or creative development. Waldorf school education, for example, aligned with my preference for nature play and a holistic approach to childcare, offering an enriching and balanced environment for my children.
Benefits of Different Childcare Options Abroad
Every family is unique, and so are their childcare needs. Here’s how different options can help:
- Daycare and Preschool Programs: Foster socialisation and structured routines, laying the foundation for lifelong learning.
- Au Pairs: Provide cultural exchange and language learning while supporting flexible schedules.
- Nannies: Deliver one-on-one care, often forming deep bonds with the children they care for.
- Community Networks: Offer a cost-effective way to create a sense of belonging and shared responsibility.
Tips for Choosing Childcare Abroad
Research your options. Explore local childcare programs and facilities to understand what’s available. Look for reviews and recommendations from other parents who might attend your older child’s school, expat communities, and online platforms. Understanding the resources and tools available can help narrow your search.
Use All of Your Senses
Plan a visit! When visiting a daycare provider or childcare centre, engage all your senses to assess whether it’s the right fit for your child.
What Do You See?
Are the spaces clean, safe, and inviting? Do they cater to a specific age group? Does it feel like a caring nature?
What Do You Hear?
Is there laughter, positive contact, happy chatter, and engaging interactions between kids and carers?
What Do You Smell?
Is the environment fresh and pleasant, or are there any concerning odours?
What Can You Touch?
Do the materials engage the senses in a balanced way? Are the toys and equipment clean, age-appropriate, and well-maintained to support your child’s development?
What Are the Children Eating?
Is the food nutritious, fresh, and appealing? Does it support your little one’s growth and health?
Observe the Carers
Do they appear warm, attentive, and genuinely connected to the children? Have they prepared a fun and engaging week cycle?
Reflect on the Environment
If you were a child, would you feel safe, happy, and eager to spend your day here? Does it feel nurturing, fun, and secure?
Prioritise Safety and Trust
Choose providers with proper qualifications, safety certifications, and a solid reputation. Ask detailed questions about daily routines, learning programs, and policies to ensure your family’s needs are met.
Consider Cultural Fit
Seek childcare options that align with your family’s values and traditions. Whether you prioritise nature play, God, a person to teach bilingual education, or empower creative activities, ensure the environment reflects what matters most to your child’s developing growth and happiness.
Stay Connected
Build relationships with teachers, caregivers, and fellow families to create a supportive network. Open communication with carers keeps you informed and reassured about your child’s experience now and in the future.
Conclusion
Parenting abroad comes with unique challenges, but with the right childcare solution, families can thrive. My journey was one of global awareness which taught me that childcare abroad doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your values or cultural identity.
By blending the strengths of local systems with your personal priorities, whether through an au pair, daycare, or alternative approach – you can provide your children with a rich, supportive environment.
With open-mindedness and creativity, it’s possible to build your own village, ensuring your family thrives no matter where in the world you are.