How to Teach Your Child Dutch as an Expat Living in the Netherlands

In this article, we're going to learn about Dutch education system for expat's kids. We'll explore government support, effective methods, and tools that can accelerate your child's language learning process, preparing them for a smooth educational journey in Dutch schools.

As an expat in the Netherlands, you're embarking on an exciting journey. The windmills, the canals, the vibrant culture – it's all new and thrilling. But amidst this adventure, a crucial question arises: How will your child adapt to the Dutch language? Whether you have a toddler ready for preschool or a child who was in school back home, this article is tailor-made for you.

We're not just writing from theory – we're expats living in the Netherlands ourselves. Our experiences, challenges, and triumphs with helping our own child learn Dutch have inspired us to share this comprehensive guide. We'll explore government support, effective methods, and tools that can accelerate your child's language learning process, preparing them for a smooth educational journey in Dutch schools.

The Initial Expectations vs. Reality

You've arrived in the Netherlands with your child, full of hope and perhaps a bit of anxiety. As your little one approaches preschool age (from 2 years onward), you might expect them to pick up Dutch effortlessly. While children are indeed language sponges, the reality can sometimes be more complex.

The speed and ease of language acquisition can vary greatly depending on factors such as:

• The preschool or school environment
• Your child's personality (outgoing or shy)
• The linguistic diversity in your area

It's important to note that some cities and schools have specific language requirements. Depending on your location, you might find that certain schools don't accept children with little to no Dutch fluency. In such cases, your child may need to enroll in transitional classes or attend a specialized language school for 6-12 months before joining a regular school.

Pro Tip: If your child has attended preschool for around two years without becoming fluent in Dutch, don't panic! This is more common than you might think, especially in areas with more non-Dutch speaking children.

For a comprehensive overview of school enrollment for newcomers, the municipality of Rotterdam offers an excellent resource: Just arrived in the Netherlands and off to school

1. Language-Specific Schools

In some Dutch cities, schools may require a certain level of Dutch proficiency before admission. If your child needs to boost their Dutch skills quickly, language-specific schools can be an excellent solution. These institutions are designed to accelerate language learning, providing an intensive Dutch immersion experience.

Here's a list of language-specific schools in cities with significant expat populations:

Amsterdam

• Mondo Taalschool
• Internationale Schakelklas (For ages 12-18)

Almere

• Taal Centrum

Utrecht

• Taal school Utrecht (For ages 5.5 to 12)

Rotterdam

• Various options available. Check the municipality website for a comprehensive list.

Remember, attending a language-specific school is not a setback – it's a strategic step to ensure your child has the language skills needed to thrive in the Dutch education system. Most of the time, they learn the same curriculum as their peers, but with additional Dutch language support.

2. Speech Therapy (Logopedie)

Sometimes, despite regular school attendance, you or your child's teacher might notice slower-than-expected progress in Dutch language acquisition. This is where speech therapy, or "logopedie" in Dutch, can play a crucial role.

It’s important to ask your child’s teacher if they think your child might benefit from seeing a speech therapist ( logopedie). If they agree, they can refer you to one, and when you visit the therapist, you can mention that the referral came from the school.

When to Consider Speech Therapy

• If your child's teacher reports limited progress
• If you notice your child struggling with Dutch more than their peers
• As a proactive step to boost language learning

Benefits of Speech Therapy

Speech therapists can:

1. Assess for language development disorders like TOS (Taalontwikkelingsstoornis)
2. Screen for conditions like dyslexia, selective mutism, or language delays
3. Provide targeted exercises to improve Dutch language skills
4. Offer strategies for increased language exposure at home

Practical Information

• Speech therapy is often covered by insurance in the Netherlands (but again it's always good to check with the therapist before committing)
• Sessions can be at the therapist's office or in your home (usually 30 minutes long)
• Weekly sessions are recommended for optimal results. If the therapist suggests less frequent sessions, ask for a clear explanation and insist on more frequent sessions if needed.

To find a speech therapist, simply Google "Logopedie" followed by your city name, e.g., "Logopedie Amsterdam".

3. VVE (Early Childhood Education)

VVE, short for "Vroeg- en Voorschoolse Educatie" (Early Childhood Education), is a government initiative designed to prevent language disadvantages. As an expat family, you may be eligible for this program.

Key Points about VVE

• It's designed for children with potential language disadvantages
• Expat families often qualify due to limited Dutch exposure at home
• VVE can increase preschool attendance from 2 to 4 days a week, often at little extra cost

To learn if your child qualifies for VVE, consult your local Youth Health Center (Consultatiebureau). For more information, visit the official government page on VVE.

Language Learning Apps: A Modern Solution

In our journey to help our son learn Dutch, we explored numerous language learning apps. While some were good, many were either too advanced for beginners or too simplistic to be truly effective. This experience led us to create Voiczy, an app designed specifically for young language learners like our son.

Why Voiczy?

• Voice-immersive experience, mirroring effective speech therapy techniques
• Tailored for beginners, unlike apps that assume basic fluency
• Continuously updated based on real user experiences and expert input
• Engaging enough to make language learning feel like play
• Using kids native language as a bridge to target language (Dutch in our case)

We invite you to try Voiczy with your child. Our 7-day free trial allows you to experience its effectiveness firsthand. Whether you're facing challenges in teaching Dutch to your child or simply looking to accelerate their learning, Voiczy could be the tool you've been searching for.

Try Voiczy Free for 7 Days

We're committed to continually improving Voiczy based on user feedback. By choosing Voiczy, you're not just selecting a language learning app – you're joining a community of expat parents dedicated to supporting their children's linguistic development in the Netherlands.

---

Remember, every child's language learning journey is unique. By combining the resources mentioned in this article – from specialized schools and speech therapy to government programs and innovative apps like Voiczy – you're giving your child the best possible chance to thrive in their new Dutch-speaking environment.

We'd love to hear about your experiences and any tips you might have for fellow expat parents. Feel free to share them with us using our contact form.

Wij wensen u en uw kind veel succes met het leren van Nederlands! (We wish you and your child great success in learning Dutch!)