What exactly does a day at a Dutch daycare look like?
A new country where you barely know anyone, a different language, and unfamiliar customs. Leaving your trusted surroundings for an adventure in the unknown is a big step. And how exactly does childcare work here? At Partou, they welcome you and your child with open arms. Read more about how they support expat families and help you feel completely at home.
Enrolling your baby or toddler in a Dutch daycare (kinderdagverblijf) naturally raises questions. What exactly happens behind those doors? How do children spend their time, play, and make friends? A predictable, loving rhythm offers them something solid to hold on to as they adapt to a new culture. Let's walk through what a typical day at a Dutch daycare might look like.
7.30am - 9am: A warm welcome and a calm start
Doors open at 7.30am. A familiar face greets your child first, making them feel seen right away. Then, there is a short moment to catch up with the parents. Did the baby sleep well? This personal connection is vital to give every child the best care. The daily programme begins around 9.00am, so parents bring their children in before then to ease into the group rhythm together.
9am - 9.30am: Eating fruit and singing together
A predictable routine gives children a great sense of security. Around 9am, some babies go to bed for a nap. The children who are awake gather around the table. Everyone reads a book and sings songs, making a smooth transition to snack time. After singing the Dutch mealtime song "eet smakelijk" (enjoy your meal), the children eat fresh fruit together. Older toddlers eat pre-cut pieces, while babies enjoy a soft fruit mash. The snack finishes with a drink of water.
9.30am - 10.30am: Heading outside for a new adventure
In the Netherlands, fresh air is essential. Around 10am, the children head outside if the weather allows it. Daycares love exploring different themes, like tasting and discovering vegetables in playful ways during a "Flavour Safari" week. Alongside guided activities, there is plenty of time for free play. Children explore nature by playing with twigs, leaves and sand, or practising their balance on a tricycle.
10.30am - 11.30am: Room to choose your own play
Children are encouraged to discover their own interests. During this hour, they do whatever they prefer. They craft beautiful artwork, build a tall tower of blocks, or quietly look at a picture book. When lunch approaches, everyone cleans up together. A special clean-up song encourages the children, so everyone knows exactly what happens next.
11.30am - 12.30pm: A shared lunch to recharge
Lunch is a cosy moment after a busy morning. The children set the table together, sing a song, and enjoy their meal. They drink milk or water, talk about morning adventures, and practice table manners. Then it is time to clean up and get ready for bed. Each child gets their own washcloth to wipe their face and hands.
12.30pm - 2.30pm: Time to sleep and rest
Most children go to sleep at this stage in their own familiar bed. The older children who no longer nap find a nice, quiet spot with pillows. They rest, listen to a story, or quietly read a book to recharge for the afternoon.
2.30pm - 3pm: Themed activities to spark imagination
A fun activity sparks the children's imagination around 2.30pm. They craft, make music, read, or play a game that ties into the current theme. Independence is also encouraged: older toddlers can often choose what they would prefer to do.
3pm - 5pm: A healthy snack and free play
Around 3pm, everyone gathers around the table for a cosy moment. The children enjoy a healthy snack, like a cracker and a cup of water. Eating together builds a sense of community. Afterwards, there is plenty of time for free play, whether that is building a fort or running outside.
From 5pm: Fresh vegetables and a warm handover
The day finishes with a healthy boost. Children enjoy pieces of fresh, raw vegetables such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or tomatoes. This is especially helpful for busy parents, knowing their child already has had some veggies! Around this time, parents start picking up their children. A short handover gives parents all the details about their child's day.
Looking for childcare in the Netherlands? You are not the first to take this step. Partou gladly answers all your questions! At Partou, your child gets the personal attention to play, grow, and feel completely at home. Discover locations near you for expat children and register easily on Partou.nl.