You've probably come across the term on the website of a daycare center or preschool: VVE. But what does VVE childcare actually mean? And perhaps more importantly, is it right for your child? The answer isn't the same for everyone, which makes it worth taking a closer look at where you stand.
What exactly is VVE childcare?
VVE stands for vroeg- en voorschoolse educatie, which translates to early childhood education (ECE). It is a structured program aimed at children aged 2 to 6 who could benefit from extra support in their development — particularly in language, but also in motor skills and social abilities. The idea behind VVE is that early intervention is more effective than catching up later: the younger a child receives additional stimulation, the greater the contribution to a strong start in primary school.
VVE is offered at some daycare centers (kinderdagverblijf/KDV), often at preschool/toddler care (peuteropvang), and always during the first two years of primary school. The early education component (the 'vroeg' part) takes place at the daycare center or preschool; the pre-school component (the 'voorschools' part) takes place in Years 1 and 2 of primary school. Together, they form a continuous learning pathway.
What sets VVE apart from regular childcare is the additional training of staff and the higher intensity of support. Locations offering VVE are also subject to stricter oversight: municipalities are responsible for quality assurance, and the Municipal Health Service (GGD) inspects whether the location genuinely meets VVE requirements.
Which children is VVE intended for?
Children with a VVE referral
VVE is in principle accessible to all children, but it is primarily intended for children at increased risk of a language or developmental delay. In practice, this often involves children growing up in an environment where little Dutch is spoken, or where other factors may be slowing their development. These children receive a VVE referral (indicatie).
Municipalities determine who qualifies, but the target group generally consists of children aged 2 to 4 for whom a professional — such as a doctor or nurse at the well-baby clinic (consultatiebureau) — has raised a concern. That concern doesn't mean something is 'wrong' with the child; it's about providing extra opportunities at the moment they will have the greatest impact.
Some municipalities apply a broader definition and offer VVE to children where the delay is not yet significant but the risk is present. It's not a black-and-white situation: some municipalities are more generous than others.
Children typically attend a set number of VVE hours per week — often around 16 hours. They usually attend alongside children without a referral. Childcare locations follow VVE methods for all children, but often provide extra attention to those with a referral. The exact setup and funding differs between a daycare center and a preschool — you can read more about that below.
Children without a VVE referral: also benefiting from VVE programs
Your child can attend a VVE location even without a referral. In practice, these children simply take part in the same activities. The difference usually lies in the intensity of support, the number of hours attended, and how the costs are covered — more on that below.
If it's important to you that childcare actively contributes to your child's development, a VVE location could be a great option.
What does it look like in practice?
At a VVE location, childcare professionals work with an accredited VVE program such as Uk & Puk, Piramide, or Kaleidoscoop. These are not formal lesson plans, but play-based methods in which language, thinking, and social interaction are woven into the daily routine. Think circle time, themed play, reading aloud, and structured activities that connect with the world of young children.
The exact structure of the program, the number of hours, and how costs are covered varies depending on the type of childcare:
VVE at preschool/toddler care (peuterspeelzaal)
Preschool/toddler care is often specifically designed for toddlers and early education.
With a VVE referral:
- Your child attends the regular sessions (often 2 half-days per week) and follows the VVE program alongside the other children.
- In addition to the regular group hours, children with a VVE referral attend more sessions and follow the VVE program during those extra hours as well.
- The agreed VVE hours (often up to approximately 16 hours per week) are usually fully or largely covered by the municipality.
Without a VVE referral:
- Your child typically attends fewer hours as standard (for example, 2 half-days per week). All children follow the VVE program during these sessions.
VVE at a daycare center (KDV)
With a VVE referral:
- Your child can still participate in VVE for a set number of hours (often approximately 16 hours per week).
- During childcare, your child takes part in the VVE program and often receives a little extra attention compared to children without a referral.
- The set hours are often covered by the municipality. You can read more about VVE funding below.
Your child attends the daycare center for childcare (the number of days varies).
- During childcare, your child automatically takes part in the VVE program.
- You pay the standard hourly rate for childcare. You can read more about the costs of VVE childcare below.
The route to VVE almost always goes through a professional, not through the childcare location itself. As a parent, you cannot simply apply for a VVE place; you need a referral or indication. This sounds more formal than it is: in most cases, it simply involves a conversation at the well-baby clinic or through youth healthcare services.
The role of the well-baby clinic and the municipality
The well-baby clinic (consultatiebureau) plays a central role. During regular visits, doctors and nurses assess your child's development. If they identify that extra support would be beneficial, they can issue a VVE referral. The municipality then takes over: they arrange placement at a VVE location and determine how many hours per week your child is entitled to.
Municipalities are legally required to make an offer to children with a VVE referral. That offer consists of at least 10 hours per week, spread across a minimum of 4 half-days. If you have questions about what's available in your municipality, the municipal website or the Centre for Youth and Families (Centrum voor Jeugd en Gezin/CJG) is a good starting point.
What does VVE childcare cost, and who pays for what?
Children with a VVE referral
The agreed VVE hours (often up to approximately 16 hours per week) are usually fully or largely covered by the municipality. This also applies to non-working parents, as these hours are considered 'educational support' rather than childcare. Working parents who use additional childcare hours beyond the VVE allocation pay the full hourly rate for those extra hours. Depending on your income, you may also be able to apply for the childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) for those hours.
It's worth discussing your specific situation with your municipality, as arrangements vary by region.
Children without a referral simply attend childcare as normal. As a parent, you pay the standard hourly rate set by the childcare location (and you may be able to apply for the childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag) for these hours). The hourly rate is not necessarily higher. Municipalities often provide subsidies to VVE locations — for example, to fund the additional training of childcare professionals — but these arrangements vary by region. That said, the hourly rate at a VVE location may be higher for various reasons, such as certain facilities or activities already being included in the price.
On Kiddie.nl you can compare all locations in your area — with and without a VVE program — on hourly rates. You can also see what facilities each location offers, so you can find the childcare that gives you the best value for money.
Not every daycare center or preschool offers VVE. Locations that do are certified and listed in the National Childcare Register (Landelijk Register Kinderopvang/LRK).
On Kiddie.nl you can easily find which childcare locations near you offer VVE. Use the 'support' search filter to find all locations that provide extra developmental support. Each location page then shows detailed information about their offering and facilities — giving you a clear picture of what's available in your area before you book your first visit.
