Dagplejers

Dagplejers are licensed home-based child care providers who operate from their own residences, offering early childhood care for a small group of children. They function as part of the formal childcare system in several Nordic countries and other regions, providing an alternative to municipal daycare centers. The setting is typically family-like, with an emphasis on consistent caregiver relationships and individualized attention.

Care is usually aimed at children from infancy up to about three years old. A dagplejer commonly looks after a small group—often four children—and designs daily routines around meals, naps, play, and developmentally appropriate learning activities. Outdoor time, storytelling, music, and crafts are common components, all conducted with a focus on safety, hygiene, and the child’s well-being.

Regulation and qualifications: Dagplejers are generally required to obtain municipal authorization or certification, pass background checks, and meet housing and safety standards. They typically receive training in child development and first aid and participate in ongoing professional development. Regular inspections assess compliance with rules on child-to-caregiver ratios, space, equipment, and hygiene.

Benefits and challenges: The home-based setting can offer closer relationships, continuity, and flexible hours that complement working parents. It may be ideal for families seeking small-group care or nonstandard schedules. Challenges include variability in quality, limited capacity, reliance on local availability of providers, and differences in funding or subsidies across regions.

In many countries, dagplejers are one option within a broader system of early childhood education and care, intended to support children's development while giving families work–life balance and choice.