Chickenpox at the daycare center (kinderdagverblijf/KDV) is a topic many parents encounter every year, as the virus spreads easily among groups of young children. What you can expect from your childcare provider, when your child is welcome back, and what you can do yourself — it's all covered here.
How do you recognize chickenpox in young children?
Chickenpox typically starts with a few red spots on the torso, face, or scalp. Within one to two days, these develop into fluid-filled blisters that later dry out into scabs. At the same time, your child may feel unwell: tired, mildly feverish, and irritable. For most children, the itching is the worst part of the illness.
A telltale sign is that all stages are visible at the same time: new blisters appearing alongside blisters that have already dried out. The varicella-zoster virus, which causes chickenpox, spreads through the air and through direct contact with the blisters — making it one of the most contagious childhood illnesses there is.
How quickly does chickenpox spread at childcare?
The virus spreads remarkably fast in a group setting, because a child is already contagious one to two days before the first blisters appear. By the time you notice symptoms in your child, other children in the group may already have been exposed. This makes early intervention difficult — but it's no cause for panic, as most healthy children get through chickenpox without complications.
The incubation period — the time between infection and the first symptoms — is two to three weeks. In a group of ten children, the virus can therefore keep circulating for weeks before everyone has had it.
Why young children are particularly susceptible
Almost all children under twelve are susceptible if they haven't had the virus before or haven't been vaccinated against it. In the Netherlands, chickenpox is not part of the national vaccination programme (Rijksvaccinatieprogramma), so most children at childcare are unprotected. Young children also have immune systems that are still developing, which means they tend to get symptoms more quickly. A single case in a group is therefore often enough for the virus to work its way through everyone.
What does the childcare provider do when there's an infection?
Childcare organisations are required to report contagious illnesses to the Municipal Health Service (GGD) when an outbreak occurs. In the case of chickenpox, the childcare provider will typically inform all parents via a letter or message in the parent app, letting them know that a case has been confirmed and what this means for children who are susceptible or at higher risk.
The childcare provider cannot be required to close the group because of chickenpox. Policies vary between organisations: some will ask you to keep your child home as long as they have blisters, while others follow the GGD's guidance as their standard. If you're unsure, always ask the location directly about their approach. This is sometimes also set out in their health policy or house rules, which you can request or find in the GGD inspection report.
When can your child go back to childcare after chickenpox?
The rule of thumb used by the GGD and most childcare organisations is: your child can return once all the blisters have dried out into scabs. As long as there are still wet blisters, your child is contagious. Scabs themselves are not contagious.
How long does chickenpox typically last?
The acute phase, during which new blisters keep appearing, lasts an average of three to five days. After that, the blisters dry out. Expect your child to be home for a total of five to seven days in most cases, sometimes a little longer if the blisters are slow to dry. This is a rough guide — for some children it goes faster, for others it can take up to ten days.
When is your child no longer contagious?
Your child is no longer contagious once all the blisters have dried out and no new ones are appearing. Scabs still on the skin are not a problem — the virus is no longer active at that stage. You do not need to wait until all the scabs have fallen off. The GGD uses this as the official return criterion for both childcare and school.
The difference between 'no longer contagious' and 'well enough to go back'
Technically, your child can return once all the blisters have dried out — but that doesn't automatically mean they feel well enough. Chickenpox often comes with fatigue and sometimes persistent itching. A child who has been scratching all night and hasn't slept well is not at their best in a group setting. Use your own judgement: if your child is still clearly unwell or exhausted, an extra day at home is a sensible choice, even if they technically meet the return criteria.
How to prepare if chickenpox is going around the group
If the childcare provider lets you know that chickenpox is in the group, you don't need to take immediate action — but it's worth thinking ahead about a few things. Check whether your child has already had chickenpox: anyone who has had the virus once is immune for life. If that's the case, you have nothing to worry about.
If your child is still susceptible, keep an eye on their skin over the next two to three weeks. Make sure you know how to reach the childcare provider outside of opening hours, and discuss internally who can stay home if your child falls ill. A little practical planning before symptoms appear will save you a lot of stress when the moment comes.
Children with a weakened immune system
For most children, chickenpox is an uncomfortable but harmless illness. For children with a weakened immune system — for example due to a chronic condition or medication use — it can be more serious. The same applies to newborns and pregnant women who have not previously had the virus. If your child falls into a risk group, contact your GP or specialist as soon as you hear about a chickenpox case at the childcare provider. They can assess whether extra precautions are needed, such as temporarily keeping your child home or administering immunoglobulins.
Practically speaking
Chickenpox at childcare is disruptive, but very manageable once you know what to look out for. The key points: your child is no longer contagious once all the blisters have dried out, the childcare provider will inform you in the event of an outbreak, and if you're ever unsure, the GGD is always available for advice. Want to know how your child's childcare provider handles health policies and illness protocols? On Kiddie.nl you can find childcare locations near you, including GGD inspection reports, so you can make a well-informed comparison.
