Day-care and preschools
Updated: 10 April 2025 by Young Expat Services
There are plenty of services and support to find in The Hague region when it comes to childcare. This includes a wealth of day care groups and schools. Childcare in the Netherlands is relatively expensive compared to neighbouring countries. For this reason, the Dutch Childcare Act provides for the quality and financing of childcare. You may qualify for a government allowance to make childcare more affordable.
Day-care and preschool
The Hague region has a diverse array of English-speaking and bilingual day care centres for the youngest children. They often work directly together with the international schools. Most will accept children from the ages of 6 weeks through to 4 years. In order to make sure that your child won’t be held in a waiting list after you arrive in The Hague region, we recommend exploring day care options before you arrive.
In the Netherlands, preschool is an official (but non-compulsory) first step into the Dutch school system. The programme is for children aged between 2.5 and 4 years old and is intended to provide the best possible start when they begin Primary School. There is a strong focus on making sure that children are emotionally and socially prepared for daily school life, whilst also covering the academic basics required.
Day care is generally used when both parents are working. If your child goes to day care, preschool is not needed. All official day care facilities in The Hague region can be found in the Landelijk Register Kinderopvang (website in Dutch).
Nannies and babysitters
Whether you're looking for someone to look after your child for one evening, over a weekend, or regularly; there are plenty of multiligual and experienced childcare providers in The Hague:
Nannies
Nannies are experienced and often qualified child-minders who live in your home and receive a monthly salary.
Au Pairs
An au pair is typically a young (between 18 and 31 years old) woman or man from another country who is hired to help look after the children of a host family in the Netherlands. Au pairs are given room and board, paid a small monthly salary and typically are in search of a cultural experience in the Netherlands, while also serving as a child-minder and usually providing some light housework. In the Netherlands, an Au Pair may work a maximum of 30 hours a week.
Babysitters
A babysitter is someone who temporarily cares for children on behalf of the children's parents or guardians. This usually is a part-time job paid by the hour. Babysitters are either scheduled regularly (every Saturday night for example) or for special occasions.
Please be mindful when choosing someone to care for your child. Always ask for and check references, and have a telephone interview before inviting someone to your home.
