Childcare and After-School Care
Arranging childcare is an important step for many international families in the Netherlands. Childcare can help parents combine work, study, or other responsibilities with family life, and it can also help children get used to Dutch language, routines, and social settings.
There are different types of childcare in the Netherlands. Daycare, childminders, and preschool are usually for younger children who are not yet in primary school. After-school care is for children who already attend primary school. Some families also use babysitters or informal childcare for occasional help. The right option depends on your child’s age, your schedule, your location, your budget, and the kind of care you need. Availability, opening hours, prices, and waiting lists can differ by provider and municipality.
This page explains common childcare options in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe, including registered childcare, after-school care, informal childcare, and where to find information about childcare allowance.
What you can find on this page:
Daycare and childminders
Daycare, known in Dutch as kinderdagverblijf, is usually for young children who are not yet in primary school. Children can attend daycare for one or more days or parts of the week, depending on the provider and available places.
A childminder, known in Dutch as a gastouder, provides childcare in a smaller setting, often in the childminder’s home or sometimes in the family’s home. Childminders may offer more flexible care than a daycare centre, but this depends on the provider.
Registered childcare centres and childminders are listed in the National Childcare Register, known in Dutch as the Landelijk Register Kinderopvang (LRK). Registered childcare facilities have been approved by the municipality and the Municipal Health Service, known as the GGD.
Preschool and playgroups
Some children attend preschool or playgroups before starting primary school. These may be called peuteropvang, peuterspeelzaal, or preschool programmes, depending on the provider and municipality.
Preschool and playgroups can help young children practise social skills, play with other children, and become familiar with the Dutch language and routines before starting school. Some programmes are aimed at children who may benefit from extra language or developmental support.
Availability, costs, and eligibility can differ by municipality and provider, so check local information before applying.
After-school care
After-school care, known in Dutch as buitenschoolse opvang or BSO, is childcare for children who attend primary school. BSO can provide care before school, after school, on study days, and during school holidays, depending on the provider.
Some BSO locations are connected to a school, while others are run by external childcare organisations. The school can often tell you which BSO providers collect children from that school. If you know which primary school your child will attend, ask the school which after-school care options are available and whether there are waiting lists.
Babysitters and informal childcare
Some families use babysitters or informal childcare for occasional help, such as evenings, weekends, or short periods when regular childcare is not needed.
Babysitters are usually arranged privately. This means you are responsible for checking experience, references, availability, payment agreements, and whether the arrangement is suitable for your child.
Informal childcare can be useful, but it is different from registered childcare. If you want to apply for childcare allowance, check carefully whether the childcare provider must be registered in the National Childcare Register.
Finding and choosing childcare
Childcare places can be limited, especially for babies, toddlers, and popular locations. It is wise to start looking early, even before you move or before your child needs care.
When choosing childcare, consider the location, opening hours, waiting list, costs, language environment, group size, staff qualifications, daily routine, food policy, outdoor play, holiday care, and how the provider communicates with parents.
You can contact childcare organisations directly to ask about availability, registration, tours, costs, contracts, and cancellation terms. If your child already attends or will attend a primary school, the school may also be able to tell you which after-school care providers are commonly used by families there.
Childcare benefits and allowance
If your child goes to registered childcare or after-school care, you may be able to apply for childcare allowance, known in Dutch as kinderopvangtoeslag. This is a government contribution towards childcare costs.
Childcare allowance is not arranged by the childcare provider. You usually apply through the Dutch Tax Administration, known as the Belastingdienst. Eligibility can depend on your work, study, income, childcare provider, and personal situation. Dienst Toeslagen also notes that the childcare benefit must be applied for within three months after the month in which the child first goes to childcare, so it is important not to wait too long.
For more information about childcare allowance and other financial support for parents, visit IWCN’s page on Childcare Benefits and Childcare Allowance under our Taxes, Benefits, and Social Security section.
FAQ about Childcare and After-School Care
Should I arrange childcare before moving to the Netherlands?
If possible, yes. Childcare places can be limited, and some providers have waiting lists. It is useful to start researching childcare options as early as possible, especially if you need care on specific days.
Can I get childcare benefits or allowance?
You may be able to apply for a childcare allowance if your child goes to registered childcare or after-school care. Eligibility depends on your personal situation, including work or study, income, and the childcare provider. Check official information from the Dutch Tax Administration and read IWCN’s Childcare Benefits and Allowance page.
What is the difference between daycare and after-school care?
Daycare is usually for young children who are not yet in primary school. After-school care, or BSO, is for children who already attend primary school and need care before school, after school, on study days, or during school holidays.
What is BSO?
BSO stands for buitenschoolse opvang, which means out-of-school or after-school care. It is childcare for primary school children outside regular school hours.
What is a gastouder?
A gastouder is a childminder. This is a childcare provider who usually looks after children in a smaller setting, often at the childminder’s home or sometimes at the family’s home.