Harlekijn acquired by Kinderopvang Zien

Catapult guided the entrepreneurial duo Nicole Albers and Byung Oberink of Kinderopvang ZIEN (childcare organisation) with the acquisition of Harlekijn Kinderopvang, based in Haren (NL). The following press release about this deal has been published.

HAREN (NL) – As of July 1, Harlekijn Kinderopvang & BSO in Haren has been acquired by ZIEN. After 21 years, Harlekijn owner Jolanda Schot feels it is time for the next phase in the development of her childcare centre. That is why she’s passing the baton to Nicole Albers and Byung Oberink, and Harlekijn will continue under the name ZIEN. 

Growth and quality

ZIEN’s pedagogical vision is based on Reggio Emilia (by educationalist Loris Malaguzzi) and Emmi Pikler. Nicole Albers, co-owner and member of the management team, explains: ‘A child has 100 languages and 100 ways of thinking, playing, talking, listening and being amazed. ZIEN gives children the freedom to discover all those languages. That means that staff have an eye for children’s development, talents, and potential. ZIEN also believes in both children’s and employees’ own skills, independence, identity, creativity, and resilience. Together with the staff, parents, and stakeholders, in the coming months we’ll be translating our vision into everyday practice.’ 

Former owner Jolanda Schot has full confidence in the knowledge and skills of the new owners: ‘Within Harlekijn I have always found it important to have an eye and ear for the uniqueness and individual needs of each child and to help them grow into young people who face the world full of confidence and positivity. I am convinced that Nicole and Byung have the right capabilities to further professionalise Harlekijn. Their vision fits seamlessly with what I’ve always wanted to achieve with Harlekijn.’

The people behind ZIEN

Nicole Albers and Byung Oberink, as former founders and owners of KITS kinderdagverblijf, have extensive experience in the childcare profession. Within their new concept, they guard the philosophy of ZIEN and work on translating the vision into all aspects of the childcare centre. Clear communication between staff, children and parents is key in their approach. They also distinguish themselves by investing in their staff through coaching and training, which contributes to providing the best care for the children. Daily management is delegated to Siska Kanninga, who will be the new face and primary point of contact. Siska: ‘It’s with great pleasure and passion that I start working as manager for the ZIEN locations in Haren. Each location is a unique place where, together with the team and the parents, I like to help the children develop into who they are or want to be.’ 

The locations in Haren together form the first ZIEN branch. The aim of the acquisition is to expand the organisation in phases through targeted acquisitions. This intended growth offers economies of scale and therefore gives the new owners the opportunity to invest in quality, training, and coaching.

Source: https://wijzienjou.nl/berichten/persbericht-harlekijn-kinderopvang-en-bso-overgenomen-door-zien/