You live in Haarlem and you're looking for childcare that fits your family's daily routine. With 143 daycare centers (kinderdagverblijf/KDV) and 134 after-school care (BSO) locations, there's plenty of choice — but that's exactly what makes it hard to decide. What does it cost, what should you look for, and how do you find a place where your child truly feels at home?
Start by jotting down a short wish list: how many days per week, half days or full days, and what practical factors matter most to your family? Think about things like organic food (91% of locations in Haarlem offer this), an outdoor play area, or simply being close to home or work. With that list in hand, comparing your options becomes a lot more focused.
Daycare center or after-school care: which is right for you?
In Haarlem, you can choose between daycare centers for children aged 0 to 4 and after-school care (BSO) for primary school-aged children. Here are a few things parents commonly weigh up in practice:
Daily structure and rest. A predictable routine helps children feel safe, especially in a new environment. Ask about the daily schedule during your tour. Many locations in Haarlem follow a set morning and afternoon structure, and around 36% offer half-day sessions — handy if you work part-time or if your child still needs extra downtime.
Outdoor space. 91% of Haarlem locations have their own outdoor play area. It's worth asking a few follow-up questions though: how big is the space, is there shelter from rain or wind, and how often do children go outside?
Food. The vast majority of locations offer organic meals. If vegetarian or vegan options are important to you, or if your child has allergies, make sure to ask about this specifically.
How to make the right choice
Many parents start broad and then narrow things down. These steps can help you move from a long list to a concrete decision:
Create a shortlist of two to three locations. Choose locations that work logistically — close to home, work, or school — and that match your preferences around daily routine and type of care. Kiddie.nl can help you explore and filter options at this stage.
Schedule tours, ideally during a busy time of day. Ask if you can visit during regular opening hours. That way, you can see how the staff handle a busy moment, get a feel for the atmosphere, and observe how caregivers interact with the children.
Ask targeted questions. For example: is there a dedicated caregiver for each group? How are rest periods structured? And how do they communicate with parents — through an app, a newsletter, or a daily chat? Not all locations in Haarlem use a parent app, so ask what the alternative is.
Think ahead. Are you planning to have a second child? If so, ask about sibling priority policies so the transition goes smoothly later on. Also check the flexibility around holiday care and cancellation terms.
Talk to other parents. Read reviews from other parents for honest experiences and tips about specific locations.
Ready to get started?
On Kiddie.nl, you can compare and filter all daycare centers and after-school care locations in Haarlem based on what matters to you — from half-day sessions to organic food. This helps you build a shortlist faster and plan targeted tours with confidence.