How childcare works in the Netherlands

Are you an expat parent looking for childcare in the Netherlands? Navigating the Dutch childcare system can feel overwhelming at first, but this guide gives you everything you need to find the right daycare, preschool, or after-school care for your child.

If you’re moving to the Netherlands with young children, one of your first questions might be: how does childcare work here? The Dutch system may be different from what you’re used to, but once you understand the basics, you’ll see that it offers flexibility, structure, and strong support for families.

This guide walks you through the main types of childcare, how to register, and the practical steps to take as an international parent.

Types of childcare in the Netherlands

The Dutch term for childcare is “kinderopvang”. Most childcare centers are Dutch-speaking, but many staff members speak English. Especially in larger cities.

The Netherlands offers several types of childcare, tailored to different ages and needs:

Daycare (kinderdagverblijf): For children 0–4 years old. Full-day or half-day care with play and educational activities.
Preschool (peuterspeelzaal): For children 2–4 years old. Offers the same play- and learning-based activities as daycare, but serves as an extra stepping stone for children who do not attend a kinderdagverblijf (daycare). Focused on language, cognitive, and social development
After-school care (buitenschoolse opvang or BSO): For children 4–12 years old, after school and during holidays
Childminders (gastouders): Small-scale care at a caregiver’s home, often more flexible for irregular work schedules

Childcare in the Netherlands focuses strongly on social, emotional, and cognitive development. Children naturally pick up Dutch through daily interactions. Some centers also offer bilingual (Dutch-English) programs, particularly in international cities.

Activities include creative play, storytelling, music, and outdoor time, helping children develop important skills while having fun. Teacher-to-child ratios are set by law, ensuring safety and personal attention.

A typical day includes:

Play and educational activities
Healthy meals, snacks, and drinks
Outdoor time and group games
Nap or quiet time

Preschool, daycare, VVE & after-school care explained

Preschool (voorschool or peuterspeelzaal)

For children aged 2 to 4, preschool focuses on play-based learning, language skills, and social development. For many international children, this is their first Dutch language and cultural experience. Most preschools operate three to five half-days a week. In practice, preschools run term-time only, in half-day sessions. Typically up to four half-days per week, with no care during school holidays.

Daycare (kinderdagverblijf)

Daycare serves children 0–4 and runs year-round (52 weeks), usually from early morning to early evening, with whole-day or half-day options. It offers the same play-based approach as preschool but with longer hours and holiday coverage.

VVE (early childhood education)

Some children may receive a VVE indication for extra support (e.g., language, motor, or social development). VVE can be provided within a preschool or a licensed daycare group and commonly involves two or four half-day sessions per week; exact arrangements depend on the child’s needs and local policy.

After-school care (BSO)

From the age of 4, when children start school, many parents use after-school care (buitenschoolse opvang, or BSO) for children up to 13 years old. BSO is organized care outside regular school hours and during holidays.

After a day of learning, BSO centres offer space for fun and relaxation. Children can join group activities such as sports, crafts, or music, or choose quiet play. Many BSO providers offer snacks and sometimes warm meals.

During school holidays and study days, many BSOs are open all day and offer special holiday programs. Some schools also provide extracurricular activities (such as art or sports) through the BSO, sometimes for a small extra fee.

High demand for childcare

Many Dutch parents return to work soon after their child is born. As a result, demand for childcare is high and waiting lists are common. Especially for babies under one year old. It’s common to register during the first three months of pregnancy.

Work-life balance is highly valued in the Netherlands. The government supports this with generous parental leave and childcare subsidies for working parents. Many employers also offer part-time contracts or flexible schedules, making it easier for both parents to stay actively involved in family life. Parents are entitled to unpaid parental leave of up to 26 times the weekly working hours until their child turns eight. The first nine weeks are partially paid if taken before the child’s first birthday.

What does childcare cost?

Childcare in the Netherlands typically costs between €8 and €11 per hour. However, the Dutch government offers childcare allowance (kinderopvangtoeslag) to help families cover these costs.

The amount of allowance depends on your income, the number of children, and the number of childcare hours. For lower-income households, government coverage can be significant. In 2024, it ranged from 36% to 96% of the total cost.

Applying for childcare allowance

As an expat, you can usually apply for childcare allowance if you live and work or study in the Netherlands. If both parents live in the same household, both need to work or study to be eligible.

The childcare provider must be registered, and you’ll need their registration number to apply. Applications are made online via the Dutch Tax Office (Belastingdienst) using your DigiD (digital ID).

Informal childcare, such as babysitters or nannies, is not eligible for childcare allowance.

How to find childcare in the Netherlands

Finding childcare can take time and planning. Here are the most common steps:

Search for registered providers: Use Google Maps (search for kinderopvang) or the National Register of Childcare Providers (LRK)
Check availability early: Waiting lists are common, so register well in advance, even before your child is born
Visit centers: Meet staff, tour the facilities, and ask about language support, meals, and daily routines.
Prepare your paperwork: Have your ID, your child’s BSN, your work contract, and income details ready.

Tip: Start early, visit multiple centers, and ask plenty of questions. Choosing the right childcare ensures your child grows, learns Dutch, and makes new friends in a safe, supportive environment.

Getting your papers in order

To use a registered facility and qualify for childcare allowance, you need to be officially registered in the Netherlands.

This means:

Register at your local municipality within five days of arrival
Each family member receives a citizen service number (Burgerservicenummer or BSN)
Arrange your DigiD through your municipality

The BSN is essential for many aspects of daily life in the Netherlands, including healthcare, taxes, and childcare. It allows the government to track how many hours of childcare you use and calculate the financial support you qualify for.

Apply on time: you can only claim childcare allowance retroactively for up to three months.

Health, safety and vaccinations

Childcare centres in the Netherlands follow strict safety standards. Sick children must stay home, and vaccination records may be requested.

Vaccinations are not mandatory but are strongly recommended, and most children follow the national immunization program. Childcare centers currently cannot refuse children based on vaccination status, though this topic is under ongoing discussion.

How childcare is regulated

The childcare sector is strictly regulated to ensure quality and safety. Every facility must:

Be approved by the local municipality
Undergo regular inspections by national authorities (GGD)
Employ staff who meet national training standards and have a certificate of good conduct