Glossary

A foster carer (gastouder) is a private individual who provides childcare in a home setting, either at their own home or at the home of the child's parents. A foster carer always works through a registered foster care agency and must be listed in the National Register of Childcare. Parents can claim childcare benefit for care provided by a foster carer. From 1 July 2026, stricter requirements apply to foster carers in terms of training, coaching and pedagogical policy.