What types of childcare are available in the Netherlands?

There are various types of childcare in the Netherlands. You can choose between a nursery (KDV), a childminder or out-of-school care (BSO). Each type of childcare is designed for a different situation or age group.

Nursery (KDV)

A nursery is a childcare facility for children who have not yet started primary school. It is also known as a daycare centre or crèche. It usually caters for children aged 0 to 4.

In nursery, your child will receive care and support from

A nursery operates with a structured approach and clear routines. This helps your child to feel safe. There is also at least one designated staff member in the nursery who looks after a group of children.

The cost of a nursery varies from one provider to another. Each nursery sets its own hourly rate. In 2026, the maximum hourly rate for day care for which you can receive childcare allowance is €11.23 per hour. If your child attends a registered nursery, you may be eligible for

These rules also cover pre-school and early childhood education ('Voor- en vroegschoolse educatie', VVE).

Would you like to read more about childcare allowance? Read more on RefugeeHelp.

Pre-school and early childhood education ('Voor- en vroegschoolse educatie', VVE)

Pre-school and early childhood education (VVE) provides extra support for young children who need additional help with their development. The aim is to give your child a better start at

So it is not just childcare, but also a programme that stimulates your child’s development. For example, your child practises language skills, playing, working together and other important skills. This helps your child get ready for school.

Pre-school and early childhood education (VVE) has 2 parts:

• Early childhood education is for children in group 1 and 2 of primary school. Here too, children receive extra support if they need it. The aim is to ensure they can move up to group 3 without falling behind.

• Early childhood education is for toddlers aged 2½ to 4 years. These children follow a special programme at the nursery. Usually, a child attends the centre for around 16 hours a week for this.

Childminders

You can also take your child to a childminder. This usually takes place at the childminder’s home. A childminder has children of their own, so they look after both their own children and yours. A childminder must be affiliated with a registered

Childminding is a smaller-scale form of childcare. As a result, the care provided is often personalised and relaxed. Your child will receive plenty of attention in a homely environment. Many parents choose childminding because this form of care is often flexible.

With childminding, a childminder is permitted to look after a fixed number of children. The exact number depends on the children’s ages and on the childminder’s own young children. From 1 July 2026, the childminder’s own children will be counted up to the age of 8.

Payment is made via the childminder agency. If the childminder is registered, you may be eligible for childcare allowance. In 2026, the maximum hourly rate for childminder care for which you can receive the allowance is €8.49 per hour.

Out-of-school care ('Buitenschoolse opvang', BSO)

If you have to work early in the morning or do not finish until later, you can take your child to out-of-school care (BSO). Out-of-school care (BSO) is intended for children attending primary school. Your child will be looked after there outside school hours and during the school holidays. Out-of-school care (BSO) also includes before-school care ('voorschoolse opvang', VSO) and after-school care ('naschoolse opvang', NSO). Before-school care (VSO) is care before school starts. After-school care (NSO) is care after school has finished.

In out-of-school care (BSO), your child can play and take part in various activities. Care staff supervise the children and ensure a safe and pleasant environment. The care is tailored to your child’s free time.

If your child attends registered out-of-school care (BSO), you may be eligible for childcare allowance. In 2026, the maximum hourly rate for out-of-school care (BSO) for which you can receive the allowance is €9.98 per hour.

Some parents work irregular hours, for example in the evenings, at night or at weekends. In such cases, standard childcare may not always be sufficient. In situations like this, 24-hour childcare or flexible childcare can be a solution.

This type of childcare is designed for parents with variable working hours or shifts outside normal office hours. This means your child can be looked after at unusual times. This is particularly useful if you work in healthcare, security or another profession with irregular shifts.

With this care, your child’s safety and well-being are the top priorities. Your child can play, eat, rest and sometimes even sleep at the centre. The options available vary from one childcare provider to another. It is therefore a good idea to enquire in advance about the times and types of childcare available.

From 2026, a maximum hourly rate will apply, depending on the type of childcare. For day-care centres, this is €11.23 per hour and for childminders, €8.49 per hour. You can receive the allowance for up to 230 hours of childcare per month per child. If your child attends a registered childcare provider, you may be eligible for the childcare allowance.

For children with autism, it is important that childcare meets their needs. Many children need peace and quiet, clarity, structure and familiar carers. This helps the child to feel safe and develop more effectively.

Some children can attend standard childcare or out-of-school care (BSO), with extra support or clear arrangements. Other children need more support. In that case, a specialised form of care may be more suitable, such as a medical nursery ('medisch kinderdagverblijf', MKD), a form of day care, or

If your child needs extra support, you can contact the

In some situations, you may also be eligible for double child benefit. This is possible if your child living at home requires intensive care. This applies only under certain conditions.

Choose a childcare provider that suits your working hours, your circumstances and your child’s needs. Take your time to look at the various options. Register your child in good time, as many childcare centres have a waiting list. You can often register your child whilst you are still pregnant. Does your child need extra help or support? If so, look carefully for a childcare centre that can provide this. You can also contact your municipality or care organisations in your area for advice and support.