Our vision

VBJK believes in solidarity with the world. We want to work towards an inclusive and democratic society, upholding human and children’s rights and respecting diversity.

These are our guiding principles, the compass of our work. Many of these principles can be found in international conventions and in frameworks that VBJK helped to substantiate and develop. In our work, we still gladly let these frameworks show us the way forward.

DECET-principles

Every child and every adult has the right to development in a context of equity and equality and respect for diversity. Everyone has the right to actively participate in high quality basic provision, free of discrimination and where everyone feels a sense of belonging. The DECET principles at first glance can be found here.

Flemish pedagogical framework

This framework for childcare of babies and toddlers describes all contributing factors to quality. Good childcare is committed to children, families and the whole society. Working with children is guided by a holistic approach, attentive to involvement and well-being. Working with parents is driven by the notion of equal partnership and with respect for diversity. Possible barriers in accessibility for vulnerable groups deserve special attention. Linking to the greater society starts in the local community, the neighbourhood: linking to other organisations and stimulating social cohesion among people. In order to get this done, we need professionals who are willing, supported and allowed to reflect in order to continue to grow professionally. VBJK wants to export these main principles to other basic services for children.

European Quality Framework for ECEC

The European Quality Framework (EQF) contains ten statements on five major issues: accessibility, workforce, curriculum, monitoring and governance. Not only are these statements based on ample scientific evidence, they are also illustrated by inspiring practice. In partnership with other centres, VBJK has developed a training pack on this EQF.

These principles guide us

Our guiding principles are reflected in VBJK’s main thematic issues.