Will free childcare for working parents help the right people?
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From 2029, childcare in the Netherlands will be almost free for working parents. Egbert Jongen, Professor of Economics, spoke with Nieuwsuur about the missed opportunities for non-working parents: 'Participation in formal childcare is particularly beneficial for children from disadvantaged families.'
From 2029, childcare in the Netherlands will be free, or almost free, for working parents. The legislative bill submitted by outgoing State Secretary for Participation and Integration Jurgen Nobel and State Secretary for Benefits and Redress Sandra Palmen makes a clear distinction between working and non-working parents.
'That means that you don't give non-working parents access to childcare,' says Egbert Jongen. 'That's a pity, because there’s a lot to be gained by doing so. International research shows that participation in formal childcare is particularly beneficial for children from disadvantaged families.'
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Watch the full Nieuwsuur item (19-11-2025, in Dutch)
Watch the full Nieuwsuur item (18-11-2025, in Dutch)