Childcare

In Flanders, generally, even if there are children, both parents work. Working parents can place their child in childcare during the day. You can opt for either a public or private childcare solution. There are also childminders available who look after other people’s children in their own home. All childcare initiatives are monitored by the government organisation Kind & Gezin. 

There is not enough childcare available to accommodate the demand. Therefore, it’s best to start looking well ahead of time. If you are not in time, you will be placed on a waiting list and must wait until a spot opens up. When a spot does become available, it goes to the person at the top of the list. Then to the second, then the third, etc.
The cost of childcare will depend on your income. Private care and childminders can be expensive, but the waiting lists tend to be shorter. Childcare in a nursery is tax-deductible.