Heatwave leads to daycare center closures: your rights as a parent

Last week was exceptionally hot across the Netherlands. The country experienced its first official heatwave of 2025, with temperatures soaring to as high as 38 degrees Celsius. The National Heat Plan was activated to provide extra protection for vulnerable groups, including young children.

For many parents, this raises an important question: can my daycare center (kinderdagverblijf/KDV) simply close due to the heat? And what are my rights if this happens? Here's what you need to know.

Can daycare centers close whenever they want due to heat?

No, daycare centers cannot simply close because of hot weather. According to BOinK, the national parents' advocacy organization for childcare, this is not permitted — particularly because extreme heat has become increasingly common in recent years and can no longer be considered an unexpected event.

First and foremost, childcare organizations are required to consult the parents' committee (oudercommissie) before making any changes to opening hours, including potential closures due to heat. The heat protocol forms part of the organization's health and safety policy, which means the parents' committee has a statutory right to provide advice on it.

Childcare organizations are expected to:

• Have a heat protocol in place
• Have taken preventive measures
• Assess the need for closure on a per-location and per-day (or part-day) basis
• Inform parents in good time about potential closures

When is closure permitted?

Each situation must be assessed individually, per location and per part of the day. Closing a childcare location for all or part of a day should only be considered as a last resort.

RIVM guidelines state that measures become important when indoor temperatures exceed 25°C. Young children are particularly vulnerable to heat because they are less able to communicate how they are feeling.

A justified closure requires:

1. An approved heat protocol that has been agreed upon with the parents' committee
2. Evidence that all other measures have been tried, such as sun blinds, fans, or air conditioning
3. Advice from the parents' committee on the proposed closure
4. Timely communication to parents with a clear explanation of the decision

What are your rights as a parent?

Parents are entitled to compensation when closures occur due to heat. As the Childcare Disputes Committee (Geschillencommissie Kinderopvang) has ruled: "The consumer has paid for a service that the provider has failed to deliver. The provider must reimburse the consumer for the childcare hours paid for but not received."

BOinK advises that parents are entitled to compensation, even when childcare organizations try to invoke force majeure. The Disputes Committee has ruled that if no heat protocol exists and the parents' committee was not consulted, this constitutes a breach of contract — not force majeure.

Your rights as a parent:

• Reimbursement for childcare hours not provided
• Access to your childcare provider's heat protocol
• Timely communication about potential closures
• Alternative solutions to be explored before any closure takes place

Please note: You are not entitled to childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) for hours that have been reimbursed. Make sure to report this change promptly to the Dutch Tax Authority (Belastingdienst) via Mijn Toeslagen.

Municipal Health Service (GGD) advice during heatwaves

The RIVM emphasizes that young children are among the most vulnerable groups during periods of extreme heat, as high temperatures can quickly lead to health problems in this age group. The Municipal Health Service (GGD) advises childcare organizations to develop a heat protocol that is straightforward and quick for staff to implement.

Key GGD guidelines for childcare settings:

• Install sun blinds or shading on windows that receive direct sunlight
• Keep lights and electrical appliances switched off as much as possible
• Open windows and doors wider when this helps to cool the space
• Ventilate at night when outdoor temperatures are lower
• Use fans in rooms where the temperature exceeds 25°C

The Dutch Childcare Industry Association (Brancheorganisatie Kinderopvang) and BOinK have jointly developed a checklist to help childcare providers create a comprehensive heat protocol, covering both preventive measures and actions to take during periods of extreme heat.

Practical tips for parents

What can you do if your childcare provider indicates it may need to close?

Ask your childcare provider these questions:

1. Do you have a heat protocol, and can I see it?
2. What cooling measures have already been put in place?
3. Has the parents' committee been consulted?
4. Are there alternatives to a full closure?
5. How will I be compensated for missed hours?

Prepare for potential closures:

• Ask family, friends, or other parents about emergency childcare options
• Check whether your employer allows flexible working hours
• Consider taking a day off on extremely hot days
• Stay in touch with other parents to find shared solutions

If your childcare provider closes without justification and refuses to offer compensation, you can file a complaint with the Childcare Complaints Desk (Klachtenloket Kinderopvang) or the Disputes Committee (Geschillencommissie).

Looking ahead: structural solutions are needed

Climate projections indicate that heatwaves in the Netherlands will become both more frequent and more intense. This means childcare organizations need to invest in long-term structural measures to ensure they can continue to provide safe care in the years ahead.

BOinK points out that "green measures" are often overlooked. A single large, well-placed tree can provide as much cooling as ten air conditioning units. Other sustainable solutions include:

• Better planting and greenery in outdoor areas
• Sedum (green roof) coverage on flat roofs
• Structural ventilation and cooling systems
• Professional sun shading
• Insulation to prevent buildings from overheating

As a parent, you can advocate for these investments at parent evenings or through the parents' committee. Make sure any plans and agreements are put in writing and included in the organization's budget.

In summary: While children's safety must always come first, childcare organizations cannot simply close their doors when temperatures rise. Proper preparation, a solid heat protocol, and consultation with the parents' committee are all legally required. If you're faced with an unjustified closure, you are entitled to compensation. By investing in structural cooling measures now, daycare centers can stay open safely during future heatwaves too.

Frequently asked questions about heat and childcare

Can a daycare center close due to heat?
Not without good reason. Childcare providers must first try all other available measures and consult the parents' committee. Closure is only permitted as a last resort and must be assessed on a per-location basis.

Will I get a refund if my childcare provider closes due to heat?
Yes, you are entitled to compensation for childcare hours that were paid for but not provided. The Disputes Committee has ruled that parents must be reimbursed for hours they paid for but did not receive.

What is a heat protocol in childcare?
A heat protocol is a plan that outlines the measures a childcare provider will take during hot weather, such as installing sun blinds, improving ventilation, and using cooling systems. The protocol must be approved by the parents' committee.

At what temperature must daycare centers take action?
According to RIVM guidelines, measures must be taken when indoor temperatures exceed 25°C. Stricter measures are required when temperatures rise above 26°C.

Can I file a complaint if my childcare provider closes without justification?
Yes, you can file a complaint with the Childcare Complaints Desk (Klachtenloket Kinderopvang) or the Disputes Committee (Geschillencommissie) if you believe the closure was unjustified or if you are not offered compensation.

How can I help prevent my childcare provider from closing during a heatwave?
Through the parents' committee, you can push for preventive measures such as air conditioning, sun shading, green planting, or better insulation. Make sure any agreements are recorded in writing.