Types of childcare at a glance
Childcare is more than just childcare. It is a place where your child feels safe, has fun and develops step by step. The table below shows the different types of childcare at a glance.
The different types of childcare
There are different types of childcare, which can be quite confusing. That is why we have listed what each type of childcare entails.
Daycare (crèche)
At the daycare, also known as daycare, your child aged 0 to 4 years old will grow up in a warm, familiar environment. Your child will play, discover and learn at their own pace, with personal attention from educational professionals. The daycare – often abbreviated to kdv or also called crèche – offers full-day childcare. We work according to the Partou Pedagogics: an approach that challenges children to discover, grow and develop at their own pace.
Difference with preschool:
- Also suitable for babies from 6 weeks and for children from 0 to 4 years old.
- Full-day care and extended opening hours.
- More focus on care, rhythm and development.
Preschool (also known as toddler care or playgroup)
At preschool, your child aged 2 to 4 years old will discover the world around them through play. Your child will learn to play, talk and move together with others and will become increasingly confident. Here too, we work according to the Partou Pedagogics approach. At locations offering pre-school education (VE), we offer a special VE programme. This gives your child extra stimulation in the areas of language, motor skills and social skills, even if there is no VE indication.
Preschool: always with VE
Preschool is always a toddler care facility with preschool education. In cities such as Amsterdam, this is highlighted annually during Preschool Day. Parents can visit our locations and see how we prepare toddlers for primary school through play.
Of course, you are also welcome to come for a tour at any other time of the year. Would you like to take a look inside? Then schedule your tour at your preferred location here.
Is it toddler care or a playgroup?
Toddler care, playgroup, crèche, preschool or even nursery: there are many names for childcare for toddlers. Since 2018, all these forms have been covered by the Childcare Act. This means that playgroups and preschools are now on a par with nurseries in terms of quality and organisation. Local authorities still use different names: in Amsterdam, you often hear “pre-school”, while in Amersfoort, for example, it is called “toddler school”.
Difference with daycare:
- Shorter childcare (usually 3 to 4 hours per half-day).
- Focused on playing, learning and early childhood education (language development, preparation for school).
- For toddlers aged 2 to 4 years. Local authorities still use different names: in Amsterdam, you often hear “pre-school”, while in Amersfoort, for example, it is called “toddler school”.
After-school care (bso)
After-school care (bso) is available for children aged 4 to 12, before school (vso), during lunchtime (tso) and after school (nso). Your child is also welcome during holidays and study days.
At Partou, after-school care is much more than just childcare. We work according to the Partou Pedagogy, which encourages children to continue developing, even after school hours. They are given the space to discover their talents and do what suits them: sports, cooking, making music or building something. This way, they learn new things, make friends and gain more and more self-confidence.
Difference with daycare or preschool:
- For school-aged children aged 4–12.
- Care before, between and after school, as well as on study days and during holidays.
- Children choose their own activities and learn to take responsibility.
- Focused on relaxation and development after school. Local authorities still use different names: in Amsterdam, you often hear “pre-school”, while in Amersfoort, for example, it is called “toddler school”.
Childminder care
Childminder care is small-scale childcare provided at a childminder's home (or at your home). It feels homely and familiar and is often more flexible in terms of hours. Ideal if personal attention and a tailor-made approach are important to you.
Difference with nursery or after-school care:
- Care for children aged 0 to 12 years.
- One professional instead of several educational professionals.
- No replacement in case of illness or holiday of the childminder.
- Food, drinks and nappies not always included.
- Small group and homely atmosphere.
- Flexible hours, sometimes outside office hours.
- You will only receive childcare allowance if the childminder is registered in the National Childcare Register (LRK).
Alternative forms of childcare
Some parents opt for informal childcare, such as a babysitter, au pair or grandparents. This can be convenient, but these forms of childcare are not covered by the Childcare Act.
This means:
- No official childcare, so no entitlement to childcare allowance.
- No supervision or quality control.
- Less focus on education and development.
Which childcare suits your child?
At Partou, childcare is more than just a place to spend the day. It is an environment where your child learns, discovers and grows. In their own way and at their own pace. Wherever your child starts – at the daycare, preschool or after-school care – we work according to our Partou Pedagogy everywhere. This way, every step feels familiar and recognisable.
The type of childcare that suits you best depends on your wishes, working hours and the age of your child.
Consider:
- How many days of childcare you need.
- Which times best suit your rhythm.
- Whether you are looking for childcare with or without a VE programme.
- Whether you prefer small-scale or large-scale childcare.
- The costs and the amount of the childcare allowance.
- How important you consider playful learning, development and activities that are appropriate for your child's age and stage of development.
Ready for tomorrow's world
Choose your child's development today. Childcare comes in many forms, each with its own characteristics and advantages. The best fit depends on your situation and wishes.