Childcare in the
Netherlands

A clean, app-ready walkthrough of the childcare essentials for expat parents in Amsterdam — organised the way you'll actually need it.

Moving to a new country with a child is a big step — new language, new customs, new forms. Suddenly you're not just looking for childcare, you're decoding the Dutch system somewhere between toeslagen and a waiting list. The good news: it's well organised. The less romantic news: at first, it can feel confusing. Here's the map.

KDV is a daycare center for children from birth until age 4. Children spend the day in a safe environment with a daily rhythm — meals, rest, play and contact with other children. For expat kids, it's often one of the first places they naturally start hearing and understanding Dutch. A good daycare isn't just babysitting: it supports development, social skills, language, motor skills, independence and confidence in a group.

Childcare in the Netherlands can be expensive — good to know before the first invoice arrives and your soul briefly leaves your body. The government offers support through kinderopvangtoeslag (childcare allowance), which you apply for through the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst).

Choosing daycare isn't only about the closest building — although, after cycling through Dutch rain with a child in the seat, distance suddenly becomes a very emotional topic. Look at three things.

Print it, screenshot it, or open it in the app. During a daycare tour, run through these — and don't be shy. Good providers love a parent who asks.

Starting daycare is a big change for both child and parent — and yes, sometimes it's harder for the parent. The child may be stacking blocks after two days, while the parent is at home checking the app every twelve seconds.

A new environment means new sounds, smells, people, children and routines. At the beginning, it's completely normal if your child needs time to land.