Childcare in the Netherlands: Types and Application Process

Childcare, known as kinderopvang in the Netherlands, is an essential service for parents who work or need assistance in taking care of their children. The country offers various types of childcare facilities and services to cater to different needs. This text will explore the different types of childcare available, the application process, and other relevant information to help parents navigate the childcare system in the Netherlands.

Types of Childcare Facilities

Day Care (Kinderdagverblijf): Daycare centers in the Netherlands provide professional care for children aged up to four years old, accommodating them for up to 10 hours a day. These centers are staffed by fully qualified childcare professionals and must adhere to strict quality standards mandated by Dutch law. Some centers have specialized groups for babies and toddlers, while others combine different age groups. Parents typically need to provide additional necessities, while food is usually provided by the daycare center. Due to high demand, it is advisable to register your child as early as possible, sometimes even before birth, and consider registering with multiple centers.

Host Parents or Child Minders (Gastouder): Host parent care, also known as gastouderopvang, is available for babies, toddlers, and primary school children. Child minders take care of up to six children in their homes or at a designated care center. They can offer their services on evenings or weekends as well. The gastouder service can be found through a gastouder agency, which ensures the safety and hygiene of the care location. Grandparents who babysit regularly can also be considered formal childcare providers, making parents eligible for an allowance.

After School Care (Buitenschoolse / Naschoolse Opvang): After school care organizations provide care and activities for children aged four to 12 years. Operating from 7.30 am to 6.30 pm on school days and school holidays, they often collaborate with local primary schools, making it convenient for parents to locate suitable options. These centers offer food and drinks and engage children in various activities, including outdoor play, crafts, reading, and homework assistance.

Preschools (Peuterspeelzalen): Preschools cater to children aged two to four years, helping prepare them for primary school. Often associated with primary schools, preschools offer children the opportunity to spend a few hours, two to three times a week, engaged in activities and playing with their peers under the guidance of professional teachers. These preschools must be registered in the Landelijk Register Kinderopvang.

Childcare Services

For parents who do not require full-time care during the working week, there are additional childcare options available in the Netherlands:

Playgroup (Peutergroep): Playgroups provide informal settings for parents to bring their children, aged zero to three years, to interact with other children of similar ages. Parents usually stay with their children during the first few sessions and gradually reduce their presence as the child becomes more comfortable. Playgroups may charge a small fee to cover expenses.

Babysitters (Oppas): Babysitters in the Netherlands include teenagers as well as qualified child minders who work for a few hours in the afternoons or evenings. Parents can register with an oppascentrales, a babysitting service, which offers sitters whenever needed, though the sitter’s experience may vary.

Nannies & Au Pairs: Nannies are experienced child-minders who live in the family’s home and receive a monthly salary. Au pairs, on the other hand, are young individuals from other countries hired to assist with childcare and light housework in exchange for room, board, and a small monthly salary.

Application Process

Registering for childcare in the Netherlands requires following certain steps:

Register with the Local Municipality: Upon arriving in the Netherlands, it is mandatory to register with the local municipality within five days. Each family member receives a Burgerservicenummer (BSN) during this process, which is essential for accessing childcare services.
Find Approved Childcare Facilities: Use the National Childcare Register (Landelijk Register Kinderopvang) to search for approved childcare facilities. This register also serves as a crucial tool for applying for childcare allowance. Parents will need the facility’s unique registration number when applying for the allowance.
Application for Childcare Allowance: Parents may be eligible for childcare allowance, which is provided by the government to support families with childcare costs. This allowance can be applied for through the relevant authorities, and having the childcare service officially registered is often a requirement for receiving the benefit.

Conclusion

Childcare in the Netherlands encompasses a range of options, including daycare centers, child minders, after school care, preschools, playgroups, and babysitters. The demand for childcare facilities is high, so it is crucial for parents to register their children early to secure a spot. Additionally, parents can access childcare allowance to help with the costs of childcare services. With the various options available, parents in the Netherlands can find suitable childcare solutions to support their work-life balance and provide quality care for their children.