Finding childcare for a child between the ages of 2 and 4 starts with knowing what options are available and what suits your family. For toddlers, there are two main forms: day care and preschool care (also known as toddler care or pre-school). Which one fits best depends on your work situation, your child's needs, and what you value in a childcare environment. In this article, we answer the most frequently asked questions from parents looking for childcare for their toddler.
What types of childcare are available for toddlers aged 2 to 4?
For toddlers aged 2 to 4, there are two main forms of childcare: day care and preschool care. Day care offers full care during the day, while preschool care typically offers a half-day program focused on play, development, and preparation for primary school.
In addition to these two basic forms, there are also combination options. Some childcare organizations offer flexible half-days, allowing parents to choose for themselves how many half-days per week their child attends childcare. At half-day childcare for toddlers The emphasis lies on an educational program, with mornings filled with meeting, playing, crafting, singing, and dancing. This aligns well with the developmental stage of toddlers, who are actively discovering the world around them.
For parents who need more childcare hours due to work, day care is the most practical choice. If you want your child to also receive educational stimulation and be prepared for primary school, preschool care offers a valuable supplement or alternative.
What is the difference between day care and toddler care?
The biggest difference between day care and toddler care lies in the duration and purpose. Day care is intended for parents who need childcare for a full workday and also includes meals and naps. Toddler care, also known as preschool care or pre-school, takes place one or more mornings per week and focuses primarily on play and development.
Toddler care has a strong educational character. Many organizations work with a recognized developmental program focused on language, motor skills, arithmetic, and social-emotional growth. This makes it good preparation for primary school. Daycare offers this as well, but combines it with practical care throughout the day.
Another difference is the funding. Toddler care is in some cases (partially) funded by the municipality, while day care is funded through the childcare allowance from the Tax and Customs Administration. It is advisable to check which allowances apply to your situation for both options.
How do I choose the right childcare for my toddler?
You choose the right childcare for your toddler based on four factors: location and accessibility, the pedagogical climate, the daily program, and the atmosphere you experience during a visit. Trust in the childcare staff is the deciding factor.
Look beyond practical matters. Good childcare has a clear pedagogical vision and communicates it clearly to parents. Ask how staff handle children's individual needs, how handovers proceed, and how they maintain contact with parents. Transparency and open communication are signs of a professional organization.
Also pay attention to the environment itself. Does the childcare facility use high-quality materials? Does the space feel homey and safe? For toddlers, the physical environment is an important part of their well-being and development. A stimulating, well-maintained space contributes to how comfortable a child feels.
When do I need to register my child for childcare?
Register your child as early as possible, preferably during pregnancy or immediately after birth. Popular childcare facilities in cities like Amsterdam have long waiting lists, sometimes of a year or longer. For preschool care starting around the second birthday, registering well in advance is therefore highly recommended.
In practice, many parents find that they start looking too late. Around your child's second birthday, the pressure is already high: you want a spot quickly, but the choice is limited if you are late. By starting early, you maintain control over which childcare you choose instead of settling for what is still available.
If you have already placed your child on a waiting list, stay in contact with the childcare organization. Periodically inquire about your position on the list and report any changes to your situation. This way, you remain visible and increase your chances of securing a place at the desired time.
How much childcare allowance do I receive for a child aged 2 to 4?
The amount of the childcare allowance for a child aged 2 to 4 depends on your joint assessment income and the number of hours of childcare per month. The Tax and Customs Administration reimburses a percentage of the costs up to a maximum hourly rate. The lower the income, the higher the reimbursement percentage.
In 2026, a maximum hourly rate applies that the government reimburses for day care. If you pay more than that maximum rate, you pay the difference yourself. You can calculate your personal allowance based on your income and the number of childcare hours via the website of the Tax and Customs Administration or the government's calculation tool.
Please note that you apply for the allowance via Mijn Toeslagen and that you need an employment contract or proof of registration as a self-employed person. In most cases, both parents or guardians must be working or following a recognized course of study to be eligible.
What should I look out for during a tour of a childcare center?
During a tour of a childcare facility, pay attention to the atmosphere, the interaction between staff and children, the hygiene, and the way the organization communicates. Also, trust your intuition: does it feel like a place where your child would feel at home?
Ask targeted questions to get a clear picture:
- How does the daily handover to parents proceed?
- Which pedagogical program or method is used?
- How is the individual development of each child handled?
- How stable is the team and how long have employees been working there?
Also consider the practical side: are the spaces clean and well-maintained, is there sufficient play material for the age group, and what does the outdoor area look like? A good tour not only provides information but also gives you a feel for the organization's culture. Take your time and ask any questions that come to mind.
This is how KleintjeZuid helps find the right preschool childcare.
We understand how big a step it is to entrust your toddler to a childcare organization. At KleintjeZuid, we offer preschool care in Amsterdam South that meets the needs of toddlers aged 2 to 4: a safe, home-like environment with a strong educational program.
- We work with the educational program Startblokken, focused on language, arithmetic, motor skills, and social-emotional development.
- Mornings are dedicated to meeting, playing, crafting, singing, and dancing, tailored to the interests of the group.
- We maintain contact with local primary schools for a continuous learning pathway from preschool to school.
- Our pedagogical professionals attach great importance to clear communication and a personal relationship with parents.
Curious how KleintjeZuid can guide your child's development? Read more about our pedagogical approach or contact us for a guided tour. You are also welcome to discover more about our childcare in Amsterdam South.
