The Hague as your home base: what makes childcare here special?
The Hague is a city full of contrasts: international diplomats live next to local families in the Schilderswijk, expats find their way in Benoordenhout, and young families take their first steps in Ypenburg or Leidschenveen. That diversity is reflected in the childcare options too. The city is known for its international character, and you see that in the care on offer. There are locations with multilingual programs, international pedagogical approaches, and special ECE programs (Early Childhood Education) that are especially relevant in a city like The Hague.
Whether you've just moved to the court city, are pregnant and want to start looking around, or are simply searching for a better place for your child — this guide will help you get started. No dry statistics, just honest advice from someone who knows the ropes.
What types of childcare are available in The Hague?
In The Hague, you have plenty of choice when it comes to types of care. The three most common are the daycare center (kinderdagverblijf/KDV), after-school care (BSO), and childminder/host parent care (gastouderopvang). Each has its own character and suits a different family situation.
- Daycare center (0-4 years): Ideal if you work full-time or part-time and need professional day care for your baby or toddler. In The Hague, you'll find both large organizations with multiple locations and small, cozy daycare centers run from residential homes.
- After-school care (4-12 years): For school-age children before and after school hours, and on days off. Many after-school care providers in The Hague work closely with nearby primary schools — convenient when your child can simply walk over after class.
- Childminder/host parent care: A childminder looks after your child at their home, or at yours. This is a popular choice for parents who prefer a small-scale, homey atmosphere. Especially for babies under one year, many Hague parents opt for this alternative.
On Kiddie.nl you can filter all locations in The Hague by type of care, neighborhood, and availability. That way, you can see at a glance what's available near you.
What does childcare cost in The Hague?
Let's be honest: childcare is a major expense. But fortunately, you don't have to pay for it all yourself. Through the childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag), the government reimburses a large portion of the costs — depending on your income, this can amount to as much as 96% of the maximum hourly rate.
The maximum hourly rates set by the government for 2025 are €10.25 for a daycare center, €9.12 for after-school care, and €7.53 for childminder/host parent care. Note: many locations in The Hague charge an hourly rate slightly above these maximum prices. The difference, also known as the 'own contribution' or 'subsidy gap,' you pay yourself. So it really pays to compare rates before you sign.
A practical tip: use the calculation tool on the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) website to work out your personal reimbursement. Then compare hourly rates of locations in your neighborhood on Kiddie.nl. That way, you'll quickly see whether a location charges above the maximum hourly rate and what your net monthly cost will be.
Where in The Hague will you find the best childcare?
The Hague is divided into eight districts, each with its own character and offerings. Here are a few things worth knowing:
- Scheveningen and Benoordenhout: Popular with expats and international families. You'll find relatively many locations with English-language or bilingual programs here.
- City center and Schilderswijk: High population density, many ECE locations. If your child could benefit from extra language development, this is an interesting option.
- Ypenburg, Leidschenveen, and Wateringse Veld: New-build neighborhoods with young families. Supply is steadily growing here, but waiting lists can be longer than in other areas. So register early.
- Loosduinen and Escamp: Quieter neighborhoods with a mix of large providers and small-scale initiatives.
The golden tip? Choose a location that's logistically convenient, close to your work, your home, or your child's primary school. Making a big detour every morning sounds like a small thing, but it feels very different after a few weeks. On Kiddie.nl you can search by postcode or neighborhood, so you immediately see what's truly nearby.
How long are the waiting lists in The Hague?
This is probably the most frequently asked question among Hague parents, and the honest answer is: it varies enormously by location and neighborhood. Popular daycare centers in desirable areas can have waiting lists ranging from six months to as long as a year and a half. That sounds like a long time, but what it means in practice is: start looking as soon as you're pregnant, or even earlier if you already know you'll need care.
A few practical tips to bridge or shorten the waiting time:
- Register with several locations. You're not committed to anything until you've signed a contract, but registering your child at too many locations can cause you to lose track.
- Ask about the cancellation list: sometimes a spot opens up because another family moves or changes their plans.
- Check Kiddie.nl regularly to see if new locations have been added or availability has changed.
What should you look for when choosing a location in The Hague?
Besides practical matters like location, price, and availability, there are a few substantive things that really make a difference for your child:
- Municipal Health Service (GGD) inspection report: Every childcare location in the Netherlands is inspected annually by the Municipal Health Service (GGD). You can view these reports free of charge through the National Childcare Register (LRK). Pay attention to the conclusion: 'meets requirements' is the minimum standard, but also look at previous reports to see whether a location consistently scores well.
- Pedagogical policy: Always ask about the pedagogical policy plan during a tour. How do they handle crying, setting boundaries, outdoor play, and language stimulation? A good location can explain this clearly.
- Group size and staff-child ratio: The staff-child ratio determines how many children one childcare worker is responsible for. The lower the ratio, the more attention for your child. In The Hague, there are locations that deliberately choose smaller groups. It's worth asking about this.
- ECE program: The Hague has relatively many ECE locations. If your child is between 2.5 and 4 years old and could benefit from extra language development or social stimulation, an ECE-certified location is a smart choice.
- Reviews from other parents: Nothing is as valuable as experiences from parents who have been at a location for a while. On Kiddie.nl you'll find ratings from real parents. Read them carefully before scheduling a tour.
How does registration for childcare in The Hague work?
Once you've found a location that suits you, it's time to register. In most cases, this is done through an online form on the provider's website. After that, you'll receive a confirmation and be placed on the waiting list or become eligible for a spot right away.
Have you been assigned a spot? Then an intake interview follows, and after that, a settling-in period. The latter is really important: give your child time to adjust, even if it seems difficult at first. Most children find their footing within a few weeks.
Via kiddie.nl/regio/s-gravenhage-2 you'll find a complete overview of all childcare locations in The Hague, with filters for type, neighborhood, price, and reviews. That way, you can make a well-considered choice without endless googling.
