Language level requirements for childcare workers

What has changed? 

Do you work in childcare? Since 1 January 2025, there are new language requirements for educational and childcare staff. Employees need to have a certificate or diploma that shows that they have a basic knowledge of the Dutch language. This means they should have attained a level 3F or B2 according to the European Framework for Languages (CEFR). 

Childcare staff born before 1 January 1965 have 3 extra years to comply with the language requirement. They must meet the language requirement by 1 January 2028. 

The Dutch language requirement only applies to employees who use Dutch as their working language. 

Childcare staff working in out-of-school care (bso) must have a certificate or diploma that shows they have a minimum level of 2F or B1 instead of 3F or B2. 

For whom? 

• entrepreneurs in childcare 

When? 

This change in the Childcare Provisions Act Regulations (Regeling Wet Kinderopvang) has entered into effect on 1 January 2025.