Day nurseries (called kinderdagverblijven) are available, and their rates are usually affordable. They are closely monitored by the government to ensure they provide high standards of care for your children. Waiting lists can be a problem though, so it may be a good idea to get your name down while you're pregnant. There are thousands up and down the country and they're usually available for children from severla months up tot four years old. Take a look at the Gouden Gids (www.goudengids.nl) to find a local one, contact ACCESS (www.access-nl.org), or try www.kinderopvang.net, which allows you to search for centres in your area. They're generally available between 08:00 and 18:00. Toddlers groups, which provide activities usually several mornings or afternoons a week, after-school care, and also babysitters can all be found in Amsterdam, through the contacts mentioned above.