Each school system in Belgium operates on different holidays schedules. Most children will have time off around the Easter period. Whatever your situation, there are several childcare options available for working parents.
Easter Sunday this year falls on 20 April. In accordance with their varying calendars, Dutch- and German-language schools break from 7 to 21 April, while French-speaking schools have their holidays from 28 April to 11 May. Find all key dates for the 2024-2025 Belgian school year here.
Holiday dates in Belgium's five European Schools vary slightly. All four Brussels schools are off from 14 to 25 April but the Mol school (near Antwerp) will break from 7 to 21 April.
Public, private and school-organised childcare all remain available during the holidays. Here is a guide to the year-round options that stay open during time off.
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Most childcare options are compiled on two websites: the French-speaking Office of Birth and Childhood (Office de la Naissance et de l'Enfance – ONE), and the Dutch-speaking Child and Family (Kind en Gezin – K&G).
Both online resources provide near-exhaustive lists of subsidised childcare for children aged up to 2.5 years old including crèches, childminders and community groups. Sometimes, age groups are mixed. Carers may look after up to eight children at one time.
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The majority of Dutch-language schools have a corresponding After School Initiative (Initiatief Buitenschoolse Opvang – IBO) located in the same municipality. IBOs stay open during the holidays, but parents may register at the beginning of the academic year if they need extra time and must book slots on a monthly basis. The average cost is around €1 for every 30 minutes and is open to children aged from 2.5 to 12.
In the French system, After School Care (Accueil en dehors de l’école) works the same way. In addition, parents can look to Bruxelles Temps Libre for a wide range of after-school activities for all age groups. Every Brussels municipality has extra-curricular coordinators (ATLs) that receive ONE subsidies. Parents can contact the ATL in their commune to discuss their choices. See ONE's list of holiday centres for special trips and activities during the holiday period.
Belgian childcare is affordable compared to other European models. Find more on the financial details here.
European Schools run childcare services at various sites and on school premises if possible. The initiative runs from 08:00 to 18:30 from Monday to Thursday and from 08:00 to 18:00 on Fridays. The service is not available on official European Commission holidays and prior registration is required via the 'eKidWeb' portal.
European and Belgian flags in the primary classroom at the opening of the fourth European School in Laeken, Brussels, on 24 October 2012. Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
Babysitting
Babysitting is another childcare option that might come in handy over the holidays.
Legally speaking, a babysitter does not have to be a registered employee provided they do not perform more than eight hours of work a week. The average rate is between €7 and €10 per hour and it is customary to tip in Belgium.
If you are interested in a more regulated approach over something informal, vetted babysitters are available via the Dutch-speaking organisation Gezinsbond that works with a subscription-based model. Under this system, a babysitter costs €5 per hour and must be hired for two hours minimum.
There are also online resources to connect parents with babysitters outside of any structure, such as Bsit and Babysits.
