Childcare

Preschools are kindergartens or daycare centres with an education programme. There is a considerable focus on language, as well as on your child's social, physical and creative development. The children play games, draw, sing, play outside, listen to stories and talk about them with each other.

Yes, it is. You can then choose a nursery with preschool education. In fact, there are two types of preschool in Amsterdam:

• half-day childcare. You bring your child to the nursery with a pre-school programme for several half-days a week;
• full-day childcare. You bring your child to the nursery for full days and the pre-school programme is incorporated into the full day.

You can check with the different preschools to see what they offer.

You pay part of the costs of the preschool yourself. How much you have to pay depends on your income. If you are entitled to childcare allowance, you can apply for this at the Tax authorities. See the website belastingdienst.nl/toeslagen.

If you do not receive childcare allowance, the municipality pays part of the costs equivalent to the childcare allowance for a maximum of 16 hours per week. The preschool arranges this for you. If you want to know how much the preschool costs you, do the calculation here.

Preschool is good preparation for primary school. At pre-school, children play and learn together. They practise language, they sing, draw and move. Preschool is intended for all children aged 2 to 4 years.

Following the birth of your child, you will attend the child health clinic (consultatiebureau) at your local Parent and Child Centre (Ouder- en Kindteam, OKT). The doctor or nurse will also talk to you about your child's language and other development. If there is a chance that your child might have a language deficiency, you will receive a preschool indication during the visits at 11, 14 or 18 months of age. The OKT can provide you with information about the preschools in your area. Children with such an indication will attend preschool for four part days a week. 
 

All Amsterdam toddlers aged between 2 and 4 can attend preschool. Most children attend preschool for 16 hours a week.

You can register your child when they are just 1 year old. Children may attend pre-school from the age of 2. You can register your child at your preferred pre-school.