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For many parents, combining work and family is a top priority, and arranging childcare in the Netherlands can require careful planning. For some locations, waiting lists for childcare are long, so we recommend to take action as soon as you accept a job offer.  

Below is a summary of key childcare options and guidance to help you navigate the process: 

Childcare options in the Netherlands 

1. Peuterspeelzaal (Preschool, toddler group) 
   • Designed for children aged 2–4 years. 
   • Focuses on early education and social interaction in a playgroup setting. 
   • Offers play sessions twice a week, typically lasting 2 hours each. 
2. Kinderdagopvang (Daycare) 
   • Available for children from 0–4 years old. 
   • Provides a safe and stimulating environment for your child’s development. 
   • You can opt for half-day or full-day care. 
3. Buitenschoolse opvang (BSO: pre- and after-school care) 
   • For school-aged children attending primary school. 
   • Covers care before and after school hours and during school holidays. 
   • Schools often partner with established daycare centers to provide after-school care.  
   • If the care center isn’t within walking distance, transportation is arranged to ensure children’s safety. 
4. Gastouderopvang (Host parent) 
   • A home-based care option. 
   • Typically offers more flexibility and a smaller group size. 

Steps to arrange childcare 

1. Start early 
   • Waiting lists can be long in some locations. Begin researching and registering as soon as possible after accepting a job or knowing your desired childcare start date. 
2. Explore options online 
   • Search for the desired type of childcare in your area, such as "kinderdagopvang Eindhoven." 
   • Most providers allow you to register online without any obligation. 
3. Contact directly 
   • If you're unfamiliar with Dutch or need more specific details, reach out to childcare providers through their contact information. 
4. Consider on-campus daycare 
   • An for children aged 0–4 years. Early registration is essential. 

Support and resources 

You may qualify for the (Childcare Benefit), a government subsidy to offset childcare costs. To qualify, both you and your allowance partner must be working or studying. Peuterspeelzaal is income-based and therefore available to everyone. It does not entitle you to the childcare subsidy anyway, so families with a stay-at-home parent usually choose this option. 

You can find on the Holland Expat Center website, including two organizations they partner with. Good luck finding the right childcare solution for your family in the Netherlands! We hope you find exactly what you need.