As a child of expats herself, Robbie Zein founded Zein International Childcare together with her husband Jan van der Meijden over a decade ago, based on a dream to help children embrace the advantages that an internationally-oriented lifestyle can bring. Robbie’s background in, and passion for, children and early years education and Jan’s endless entrepreneurial vision resulted in an international childcare organisation like no other.
Set within almost 5.000m2 of mature gardens, the property offers a luxury home-like environment
Now the leading provider of International Childcare in the Netherlands, the company continues to go from strength to strength.
Here, the couple talks about their latest location "The Little Castle", situated in Voorburg - one of The Hague’s most popular residential suburbs for international families - that opened its doors in early March this year.
Jan explains: "By turning this monumental landmark into a Zein Childcare centre, we can introduce expats and internationally minded families in the Leidschendam-Voorburg area and beyond to the standards we set as a childcare provider.
In addition to our unique pedagogic approach focusing on social-emotional competencies, excellent service levels and passionate childcare professionals with international backgrounds - the physical surroundings and facilities are an important factor in making children and their parents feel safe and at home at Zein.
The spacious property set within almost 5.000m2 of mature gardens has therefore been transformed to offer a luxury home-like environment, using a natural approach with stylish nature-inspired wallpaper, soft carpeted areas and furniture from our own children’s furniture line "Dutch DeZein".
The picture is completed by a large natural playground, private parking, a dedicated parents’ room and a fully equipped kitchen where the on-site chef prepares fresh, organic warm meals for the children".
Whilst Jan was busy with the practical side, Robbie and the pedagogic programme team remained focused on the pedagogic aspects that needed to be in place when they opened in early March. Robbie’s own childhood expat experiences, together with the international background of the staff, play an important role in the development and delivery of the Zein pedagogic programme.
The Zein approach ensures that children feel positive about themselves, their abilities and the people around them
Based on the philosophy that children growing up amongst worlds have the unique potential to become the model citizens of tomorrow, Zein’s programme pays particular attention to each child’s social and emotional growth - a critical area for all children, but even more so for transient "Third Culture Kids" and children growing up in an internationally oriented environment.
Robbie explains: “The quality of early years’ experiences can have a fundamental impact on all aspects of development - physical, emotional and intellectual. Our approach ensures that children feel positive about themselves, their abilities and the people around them, providing them with a solid foundation for the future.”
Registration is now open for "The Little Castle" Day Care - Zein’s latest location in Voorburg. Visit www.zeinchildcare.nl for more information and to apply, or click the button below.