The types of childcare
| Age | What it is | |
|---|---|---|
| Kinderdagverblijf (daycare) | 0 to 4 | Group care in a centre, usually full or half days |
| Gastouder (childminder) | 0 to 12 | Care in a small group at the childminder's or your home |
| Peuteropvang (preschool) | 2 to 4 | A few mornings a week, focus on play and language |
| BSO (after-school care) | 4 to 12 | Before and after school and in the holidays |
Childcare allowance
- 1Both parents work (or study)
Single parents too. Your partner's situation counts.
- 2Use registered childcare
Only care listed in the national childcare register (LRK) qualifies.
- 3Apply with the Dienst Toeslagen
Within three months after the month care started.
- 4The amount depends on income
A large share of the cost is reimbursed for lower and middle incomes, up to a maximum hourly rate.
Estimate your allowance with the childcare allowance calculator. All allowances: toeslagen.
Practical tips
- Register early: in many cities there are waiting lists of months, so sign up during pregnancy.
- Visit a few locations and ask about group size, staff turnover and the daily rhythm.
- Children usually start primary school on their fourth birthday; plan BSO in time.
- See also having a baby and the Dutch education system.
Sources
This article is based on these official pages. If anything here differs from them, the official page is right.
Ready to run your own numbers?
Childcare allowance calculator