Finding Childcare for a Sick Child
The municipality of Leuven compiles a list of centers that provide "thuisopvang ziek kind" (home care for sick children). Choosing between the given centers depends primarily on the location and the conditions set by each center.
For more information about the conditions and how to make a request, keep on reading!
Which Service Is Right for You?
| Provider | Age | Who Can Use It? | Care Hours | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zorg Leuven | 0–12 years | Leuven residents and sub-municipalities | Max. 10 hrs/day, 8 days/month | Income-based + €1.50 travel fee |
| Kinderrijk Teleservice | Registered children and siblings | Families connected to Kinderrijk | Max. 9 hrs/day, 8 days/month | Income-based + administration and mileage fees |
| Kido Club | 0–12 years | Families within service area | Max. 10 hrs/day | €2.37/hour, minimum €9.49/day |
| ’t Eekhoorntje | Registered children and siblings | Families connected to the nursery | Max. 9 hrs/day | Contact provider for current rates |
| KU Leuven | 0–12 years | AP and ATP staff members | Max. 10 hrs/day | €50 annual subscription + €2.50/hour |
| CM/Ferm | 0–12 years (up to 21 in some cases) | CM members | 4–11 hrs/day | €5/hour (€1.75 with increased reimbursement) |
Before You Apply
Most providers will ask for some or all of the following:
- A doctor's certificate confirming your child is ill.
- Your child's national registration number.
- Contact details and emergency information.
- Mutuality (health insurance) information.
- Instructions regarding medication, meals, or allergies.
- Information about other children in the household.
Zorg Leuven
Zorg Leuven provides home childcare for sick children on weekdays between 7:00 and 18:30. Trained childcare workers come to your home so your child can recover in a familiar environment.
At a Glance
- Ages: 0–12 years
- For Leuven residents (including Heverlee, Kessel-Lo, Wilsele and Wijgmaal)
- Up to 10 hours per day
- Maximum 8 days per month
- Doctor's certificate required
- Same-day or next-day requests often possible
Cost
The fee is calculated according to your family income through Kind en Gezin. A travel allowance of €1.50 per day is added. Home childcare costs may be tax deductible.
How to Apply
- Call: 016 24 81 99
- Available weekdays from 07:00–18:30
- Evening phone service from 20:00–21:00 (Sunday–Thursday)
- Requests can often be made for the same or following day.
Kinderrijk Teleservice
Kinderrijk offers home care for sick children who are enrolled at Kinderrijk daycare centres, as well as their siblings.
At a Glance
- Registered Kinderrijk families
- Siblings also eligible
- Home within 30 km of Kinderrijk
- Up to 9 hours per day
- Maximum 8 days per month per family
- Doctor's certificate required
Cost
- Income-related daily rate
- Administration fee: €1.24/day
- Mileage fee charged separately
How to Apply
- Call: 016 23 15 64
- Available weekdays from 07:00–18:30
- No service during weekends, public holidays or daycare closure days
- Cancellations should be made before 18:15 on the previous day.
Kido Club
Kido Club provides trained childcare workers who can care for sick children at home, administer medication and assist with meals. Services are offered on weekdays.
At a Glance
- Ages: 0–12 years
- Home childcare service
- Up to 10 hours per day
- Doctor's certificate required
- Medication support available
Cost
- €2.37 per hour
- Minimum daily charge: €9.49
- Additional travel costs may apply depending on location.
How to Apply
- Call: 0478 78 09 94
- Morning requests: 08:00–09:00
- Evening requests: 20:00–21:00 (Sunday–Thursday)
- Late cancellations may incur a fee.
’t Eekhoorntje Home Childcare
't Eekhoorntje offers home childcare for sick children enrolled in its nursery, as well as siblings.
At a Glance
- Registered nursery families
- Siblings eligible
- Available from 07:00–18:30
- Up to 9 hours per day
- Home must be within 30 km of the nursery
How to Apply
- Email: info@eekhoorntje.be
- Phone: 016 25 12 77
- Contact hours: 08:00–18:00
KU Leuven Home Childcare
KU Leuven offers home childcare for sick children of Academic (AP) and Administrative & Technical (ATP) staff members. Care is provided by specially trained childcare workers.
At a Glance
- For KU Leuven AP and ATP staff
- Ages: 0–12 years
- Up to 10 hours per day
- Maximum 3 working days per illness
- Maximum 15 days per child per year
- Doctor's certificate required
Cost
- Annual subscription: €50
- Childcare: €2.50 per hour
- Minimum daily charge: €10.00
How to Apply
- Daytime: 016 33 08 62
- Outside office hours: 016 32 11 11
- Department registration required before using the service.
CM / Ferm Home Childcare
CM members can use home childcare services provided by Ferm. This service helps children recover at home while parents continue working. Care is available Monday through Saturday.
At a Glance
- Child must be a CM member
- Ages: 0–12 years
- Available up to age 21 for some disabilities or chronic illnesses
- Care between 07:00–20:00
- Maximum 5 working days per illness
- Doctor's certificate required
Cost
- €5/hour
- €1.75/hour for families receiving increased reimbursement
- Home childcare costs may be tax deductible.
How to Apply
- Phone: 078 05 01 09
- Submit requests before 13:00 for next-day care
- Requests can also be submitted online through CM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a doctor's certificate?
Most providers require a doctor's certificate confirming that your child is ill and needs to stay at home.
Is home childcare tax deductible?
In many cases, home childcare expenses can be tax deductible. Check the conditions with your childcare provider and tax advisor.
Can siblings stay at home too?
Some providers, including Kinderrijk and ’t Eekhoorntje, also allow siblings to benefit from the service.
Can I arrange childcare at short notice?
Some services, such as Zorg Leuven, may accept same-day or next-day requests depending on availability.
Important Note
Prices, conditions and availability may change over time. Always verify current information directly with the provider before making arrangements.
Need More Help?
If you're unsure which service best fits your family's situation, contact the Leuven Childcare Counter (Kinderopvangspunt) or International House Leuven for guidance on available childcare options.