The Netherlands has no formal educational provision for children under the age of 4. Outside the formal education system there are, however, childcare facilities for younger children. The region offers plenty of choice, including agencies for in home childcare, day care centres, and SPIL centres (integrated primary education, play school, and childcare). Childcare is not free in the Netherlands.

A law deals with the quality, management, and finances of childcare in the Netherlands. It is based on the principle that childcare is a matter for parents, employers and authorities. You sign a contract with a childcare organization and pay the bill. Employers can reimburse a part of the costs (tax-free). You can also ask for reimbursement from the national authorities. In that case, your childcare centre must be accredited and registered in the place where you live. For more information about this and the childcare possibilities at your place of work, ask your HR manager or check the website kinderopvang (only available in Dutch).

Childcare in the Eindhoven region

Childcare in the Maastricht region

Childcare in the Tilburg region

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