Childminder profile page in Belgium: what to set up

What sections your profile needs

Your Websta profile page works as a simple website. Parents will look for childminders by location and service type on Websta's marketplace at /marketplace/childcare. Your own profile page needs to show who you are, what you do, how parents can reach you, and how they book or ask for a quote.

Start with a clear description of yourself. Say how many years you have worked as a childminder, whether you look after children at your home or elsewhere, what age groups you take, and the hours you work. Parents need to know this before they contact you.

Add a services section that lists what you offer - for example, full-time childminding, part-time care, after-school pick-up, or weekend care. You set the prices yourself on your profile. Write them clearly so parents know what they will pay.

Include photos. Parents want to see where the children spend time - your living room, garden, play area, or the setup if you work elsewhere. Photos of you with children (with the parents' permission) also help parents trust you. A simple profile photo matters too.

Set up either online booking or a quote request form. If you offer regular hours with set prices, online booking lets parents book directly. If prices depend on the child's age, schedule, or other details, a contact form where parents describe their needs works better. Many childminders use a contact form first to discuss details before confirming dates.

Languages to publish in

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Which language you choose depends on where you work and which families you want to reach.

In Flanders, Dutch is spoken. In Wallonia, French is spoken. In Brussels, both Dutch and French are widely used. German is spoken in the small eastern region near Germany.

You do not need to translate everything. Publish your profile in the language you speak and work in. If you are bilingual or trilingual, you can add profiles in more than one language. Many parents in Brussels search in both Dutch and French, so if you work there and speak both, two profiles give you more visibility.

Check what language parents in your area typically use when searching. Parents tend to search in the language they speak at home with their child.

How parents in Belgium search for childminders

Parents search on Websta by typing their location and service type. They use the /marketplace/childcare section to find childminders nearby. Most searches include the town or district where they need care, because parents want someone close to home or to their workplace.

Parents also use Google and other search engines to find childminders. A profile on Websta helps you show up in those searches if your town and service type match what they are looking for. A contact form on your profile lets them reach you directly from their search results.

Word of mouth is still common - parents ask other parents or their workplace for recommendations. But many parents start with an online search to see all the options in their area.

What to check with local authorities

Working as an independent childminder in Belgium requires you to meet certain legal requirements. The rules vary slightly by region - Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels have different frameworks - so you must check with your local authority before you start or before you publish your profile.

Generally, you will need to check whether you need official registration or accreditation, what training or qualifications are required, how many children you can care for at once, what safety standards your care setting must meet, and whether you need insurance. Some regions require childminders to be registered; others have optional registration systems. Some require first-aid training; others do not.

Contact your regional childcare authority or your local town hall (gemeentehuis or mairie, depending on language) to get the exact rules for your area. Ask about registration, mandatory training, child-to-adult ratios, and liability insurance. Do this before you set prices or commit to parents, so you know exactly what you can offer.

What to write in the first hour

Start simple. You do not need a perfect profile to go live. In the first hour, fill in the basics so parents can find you and contact you.

Write a one- or two-sentence description of who you are and what you do. For example: 'I have worked as a childminder in [your town] for [number] years. I look after children aged [age range] at my home, Monday to Friday, [times].' This tells parents the essentials.

Add your town or district. This is crucial - parents search by location.

Write two or three services with prices: for example, 'Full-time childminding (08:00-17:00)', 'Part-time afternoon care (14:00-18:00)', 'Baby care (0-2 years)'. You can add more later.

Upload at least one photo - ideally a clear photo of you, and one of your care space. Poor photos are better than no photos.

Set up a contact form or booking system so parents can reach you. If you are unsure about availability or pricing yet, a contact form is safer than booking.

Add your phone number or email so parents can contact you directly. Websta sends their messages to you, but many parents prefer to call or email.

Publish in the language you work in. You can add more languages later.

After you go live

Once your profile is live, parents can find you on Websta's marketplace and contact you through the form. You will also show up when parents search for childminders in your town on Google or other search engines.

Update your profile as you go. Add more photos once you have them. Write a longer description of your approach to childminding and what makes you different - for example, if you do outdoor play, language learning, structured activities, or have experience with specific needs.

Respond quickly to parent inquiries. Parents often contact several childminders at once, so a fast reply increases your chances.

Ask parents to leave feedback once they have worked with you. Positive feedback on your profile builds trust with other parents.