Is searching on Opvango free?
Yes, Opvango is free for parents. You can search and view public location profiles without an account. Use a parent account to save favourites and compare up to four locations.
Finding a suitable place starts with a clear overview
Find and compare childcare in the Netherlands
You need care that fits your child, location and working week. Opvango helps you find locations, compare information and contact providers with specific questions. Start with your postcode or town and the type of care you need.
Find childcare near youHow do you find childcare in the Netherlands?
Work out what you need
Write down your child’s age, preferred start date, days and drop-off and pickup times. Choose daycare, after-school care, preschool care or a childminder. For after-school care, include the primary school and holiday arrangements.
Search by postcode or town
Use Opvango’s search to view locations near you. Compare the distance with your daily journey: close to home is not always more convenient than close to work or school.
Make a shortlist and compare
Select a few locations that fit your schedule. You can search without an account. A free parent account lets you compare up to four locations and save favourites. Missing information means you still need to ask the provider.
Check LRK registration and GGD reports
Check registration and read the inspection report in the National Childcare Register (LRK). Look at the date, findings and provider’s response. Opvango shows source links and inspection information where available.
Ask about your days and arrange a visit
Ask each location whether your preferred days and start date are possible, which rate and contract apply and how any waiting list works. Discuss everyday care during a visit before making your choice.
What should you compare?
- Distance and opening hours
- Check whether drop-off and pickup are manageable, including on busy working days. Check special hours, closure days and school pickup for after-school care.
- Rates and contract
- Compare the same days and hours. Check the rate’s source: an estimate or neighbourhood average is not a confirmed offer from that location. Ask the provider for the current rate, contracted hours and what is included.
- Inspections and experiences
- Read GGD findings and published parent experiences in context. A review is a personal experience; an inspection report describes the situation examined at that time. Having no reviews does not mean the care is poor.
- Approach and facilities
- Discuss settling in, sleep, food, outdoor play and how parents are kept informed. Check the facilities offered and ask how they are used in practice.
- Reported space and waiting lists
- A general availability signal does not automatically show whether your child can start on your days. Ask about the age group, start date, preferred days and next steps after applying.
Opvango and the LRK: a clearer picture together
The LRK is the official source for registration details and inspection reports. Opvango helps parents search, compare and take the next step towards a location. Use both to make an informed choice.
| Topic | National Childcare Register (LRK) | Opvango |
|---|---|---|
| Registration and inspections | Check official registration and available inspection reports. | View LRK source links and GGD information on location profiles where available. |
| Comparing locations | Use registration details in your own assessment. | Search by postcode or town and compare up to four locations with a parent account. |
| Practical profile information | Consult the official register for registered facts. | View opening hours, rates, facilities and published reviews where provided. |
| A suitable start date | Registration does not confirm a place on your preferred days. | View reported availability where published and ask the provider to confirm your application. |
Choose the type of childcare you need
Daycare
Find daycare centres and childminders for children before primary school.
After-school care (BSO)
Find care for school-age children and discuss school days, pickup and holidays.
Preschool care
Find preschool care and check each location’s services and opening hours.
Childminders
Find childminder locations and ask which ages, days and hours they can accommodate.
Questions about comparing childcare
Can I compare childminders and after-school care too?
Yes. Opvango has search pages for daycare, after-school care, preschool care and childminders. Daycare search includes daycare centres and childminders; childminder search shows childminder locations. Choose the type of care and compare the available information.
Are rates and free places known everywhere?
No. Information varies by location. Opvango may show provided rates, labelled estimates and reported availability. Ask the provider for its current rate and confirmation of your preferred days before making arrangements.
How do I check a childcare location?
Look up the location in the LRK and read the available GGD inspection report. Check the date and findings and discuss questions with the provider. Combine this with a visit, your schedule and information on the Opvango profile.
Official sources to check yourself
- National Childcare Register: official registration and inspection reports
- Dutch government: childcare quality and supervision
Updated on 7 October 2026 · Opvango