The May holiday is just around the corner, and for many working parents that means doing the math: who can take time off, how many days need to be arranged, and what does childcare actually look like during school holidays? Childcare during school holidays works a little differently than on a regular school day — and it pays to know that ahead of time.
What happens with childcare during the May holiday?
Not all types of childcare respond to school holidays in the same way. It depends on the type of care your child uses. Children in after-school care (BSO) will notice the biggest changes; for children at a daycare center (kinderdagverblijf/KDV), very little changes in practice. Keep in mind: public holidays often fall within the May holiday period, and locations may be closed on those days. You can read more about public holidays below.
Daycare center: open as usual, even during the holidays
A daycare center (kinderdagverblijf/KDV) caters to children aged 0 to 4 and runs year-round. School holidays don't affect this: your child goes on their regular days, the hours stay the same, and the daily routine doesn't change. During the holiday period, there may be slightly more children present at some locations, as BSO and KDV children are sometimes cared for at the same site. At many locations, the opposite can actually be true — it may be quieter than usual. This often happens because parents who also have school-age children take time off during the holidays and keep all their children at home. Check with your own daycare center whether this applies and whether it affects the group composition.
What can sometimes change is the number of staff available. Around the May holiday, childcare professionals also take leave. Most locations manage this internally, but it's worth checking whether your child's familiar faces will be there that week.
Preschool/toddler care
Unlike daycare centers, preschool/toddler care (peuteropvang) is often closed during school holidays, as these settings follow the rhythm of primary education. Check with your own provider to find out whether this applies to them.
After-school care (BSO) during the May holiday: different hours, different programme
For after-school care (BSO), the May holiday is a full holiday week. Children are present all day instead of just before and after school. That means different opening hours, a different daily programme, and sometimes a different location. Many BSO locations organise outings, themed activities, or day trips during the holidays. That sounds great, but it also has practical implications: your child may need to be dropped off or picked up at different times, some activities outside the location may come with extra costs, and not every child enjoys the bustle of a full holiday day.
Ask your BSO what the programme looks like for the May holiday, what the opening hours are, and whether there are any costs associated with off-site activities. That way, there are no surprises on Monday morning.
Public holidays during the May holiday: childcare is likely closed
Several public holidays often fall within the May holiday period. The following days are typically designated as paid leave days under the childcare collective labour agreement (CAO kinderopvang), and there is a good chance that locations will be closed on these days:
- King's Day (Koningsdag) (27 April)
- Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag)
- Whit Monday (Tweede Pinksterdag)
- Liberation Day (Bevrijdingsdag) (5 May)
Please note: in principle, you continue to pay for these days as normal — they are paid leave days for childcare professionals. You won't notice any difference on your invoice. The annual cost of childcare is spread across 12 equal monthly payments, and public holidays are already factored into that calculation.
Childcare during school holidays: what does your contract say?
Whether your child can attend childcare during school holidays largely depends on your contract. Childcare providers often offer different types of packages. With a 52-week package, care is arranged year-round, including during school holidays. With a 40-week package — which many parents choose for preschool/toddler care or BSO — care only runs during school weeks and automatically stops during holidays.
Some providers offer the option to swap holiday weeks or book extra days if your child doesn't normally attend on a particular day. This is sometimes called a holiday arrangement or flexible care days. Not every location offers this, and there are often conditions attached, such as a minimum notice period. Check your contract for these kinds of arrangements, or contact the location before the holiday begins.
For BSO, holiday care is sometimes arranged separately. With some providers, you register your child individually for holiday weeks; with others, it's automatically included in the contract. Not sure which applies to you? Check now — popular holiday weeks fill up fast.
Do you need to notify the childcare provider when you're taking days off?
This varies by provider. Some locations ask you to let them know in advance which days your child won't be attending during the holiday. This helps them plan staffing and activities. Other locations work with a fixed schedule and don't require any notification.
If you don't notify the provider in time that your child won't be coming, your child may still be expected and the spot may be recorded as used. This has no impact on your childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag), but it could affect your right to make up that day later if your contract includes that option.
As a practical rule: always send a message if your child won't be attending for a day or a week, even if it's not formally required. The location can then adjust staffing accordingly, and it's considerate to the staff who would otherwise be expecting your child.
Childcare benefit during school holidays: will you receive less?
No. The childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) is calculated based on the number of hours in your contract, not on the days your child actually attends. If your child stays home during the May holiday while the childcare location is open, this has no effect on your benefit. You are entitled to benefit for all contracted hours, as long as you meet the other eligibility requirements (both parents working, studying, or following an integration programme).
What is relevant: if you temporarily reduce your hours — for example, by cancelling a holiday week or making a contract change — update your benefit with the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst). If you don't, you may face a repayment at the end of the year. Minor adjustments for a single holiday week generally don't need to be reported, but a structural contract change does.
The maximum hourly rates eligible for benefit in 2026 are €11.23 for a daycare center, €9.98 for after-school care (BSO), and €8.49 for childminder/host parent care (gastouderopvang). If your childcare provider charges more per hour, you pay the difference yourself. This applies during the holidays as well.
How to plan the May holiday without the stress
A few weeks before the holiday is the right time to get everything in order. Start by checking what your contract says about holiday care: are all days automatically covered, or do you need to book BSO days separately? Then look at the location's programme: are there outings, different hours, or a change of venue?
Next, work out the split between childcare days and days off with your partner or co-parent. How many days can be taken off? Which days does your child need care? And if your child is staying with grandparents that week, make sure to let the location know in good time.
On Kiddie.nl, you can compare childcare locations in your area and see at a glance which providers offer flexible or holiday care. Handy if you find that your current childcare doesn't quite meet your family's needs during school holidays.
