Overhauling the childcare system in the Netherlands to a free system has long been a hot topic in politics. But before that happens, according to economics professor Janneke Plantenga of Utrecht University, an example should be taken from places where such an overhaul of the system has already taken place. “Canadian Quebec is an example, even of what to avoid,” says Plantenga.
In the late 1990s, Quebec went through a similar transition which, according to the economics professor, corresponds to the historic system change that is to take place in the Netherlands. ‘We are going from a fairly expensive product to almost free childcare. And instead of parents being paid directly or indirectly through checks, we will channel funding from companies. These are situations that also occurred in Quebec.’
“The reform of the system has had important consequences in Quebec for both parents and children”
Since the transition in Quebec has been going on for some time, according to Plantenga it is good to give an example there. “The reform of the system is more or less comparable and has had important consequences for both parents and children,” says the economics professor. However, the consequences were not all positive.
Quality
For example, system change appears to have a negative effect, particularly on very young children. This effect was partly caused by the quality of childcare, which was quite low in Quebec. ‘Children’s developmental chances have been negatively affected by system reforms. Also because a large part of the quality of childcare has been lost», explains Plantenga.
This is something that should also be avoided in the Netherlands, he says. ‘Quality must be ensured during expansion. As childcare will soon become much cheaper, demand will increase and the sector will grow. It is precisely in that situation that it is also important to keep the quality high.’
Participation in the labor market
However, making childcare free in Quebec has also had positive effects that the Netherlands could take as an example. For example, participation in the labor market has increased. “This also happened among grandmothers who were previously involved in childcare and who have now been encouraged to still be active in the labor market,” Plantenga explains.
“The delay shouldn’t come with the fix”
According to the economics professor, it is important to introduce a reform of the system step by step and to take time for an orderly transition. Furthermore, Plantenga says it is important to regulate prices: ‘Even though it is a private system, there is a lot of public money at stake.’ For the time being, the Cabinet has decided to postpone the introduction of free childcare by two years. ‘This creates space, but the postponement shouldn’t lead to adjustments. It’s best to use the time to shape the transition, but also take the first steps,’ says Plantenga.
Source: BNR
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