Preschool

Preschool prepares children for elementary school. It provides them with a good start to their school life.

At preschool, children are introduced to learning, playing and exploring together in a fun way. Your child can attend preschool between the ages of 2.5 and 4. There are several childcare organizations in your neighborhood that offer preschool.

On this page:

What is preschool?

Which children may attend preschool?

How much does preschool cost?

Preschools in your area

Contact details for questions and help

What is preschool?

At preschool children are introduced to learning and playing together in a fun way. This can include language games, reading aloud, drawing, listening, singing and physical activities. A lot of attention is paid to your child's development so they are well prepared for primary school.

Which children may attend preschool?

Some children will benefit from extra preparation before they start primary school. For example, if your child could use some extra support with language. The preschool works with language and development games. This helps your child to have an even better start at primary school.

At visits to the Youth Health Care center, a nurse or doctor will regularly talk to you about how your child is doing. If it is beneficial for your child's development to attend preschool 16 hours a week, they will discuss this with you. If there is a waiting list, it may take a bit longer before your child can attend preschool.

How much does preschool cost?

How much you pay depends on your income.

• Parents with no income or a lower income pay less for preschool. We will pay part of the cost.
• For example, parents with an income of up to € 28.298 pay about € 14 per month.
• Does your child go to preschool 16 hours a week, as recommended by the Youth Health Care center? You are provided 6 hours at no cost. You will pay for the other 10 hours yourself.
• Do you (and/or your partner) have a job? You can apply for ‘kinderopvangtoeslag’ (childcare benefit). Note: you can only apply for childcare benefit for the paid hours. You will not receive childcare benefit for the hours that are not charged. If you do, you will have to pay back the excess money to the tax authorities.

Do you want to know how much you will have to pay for preschool? You will receive a contract from the main office of the preschool of your choice. This will state the amount you will pay.

Preschools in your area

Check the map to see which preschools are in your neighborhood.

List of preschools per neighborhood

Questions or help?

Do you have questions about applying for preschool? Or about choosing a preschool? Or do you need help registering? Every neighborhood in Utrecht has a supervisor who can help you. You can send an email to vetoeleiding@utrecht.nl or call 14 030. You can also go to one of the walk-in consulting hours in your neighbourhood. These are held at the Youth Health Care center.

If you want to visit a preschool, please contact one of the preschools in your area.