What Is Cokido?

Cokido is a Leuven-based initiative that helps families organize childcare together. Instead of relying solely on formal childcare services, parents and caregivers take turns supervising and organizing activities for groups of children. The goal is to make school holidays and other childcare gaps more manageable while strengthening community connections between families.

Cokido refers to this challenge as the "holiday puzzle" ("vakantiepuzzel" in Dutch): finding reliable childcare when schools are closed.

How Does It Work?

The system is based on reciprocity. When you contribute childcare time to the group, you earn childcare turns that you can later use for your own children. Specifically, providing one day of childcare entitles you to four childcare turns.

Example

Imagine you supervise a group of children during one day of the Easter holidays. In return, you receive childcare turns that can be used when you need someone else to care for your child during a future school holiday.

This approach allows families to share responsibilities fairly and keep costs low.

Who Can Join?

Cokido is open to Leuven residents with school-aged children between 2.5 and 12 years old.

Parents are the primary participants, but childcare can also be provided by other trusted caregivers, such as grandparents.

When Is Childcare Available?

Each Cokido group determines its own schedule and decides which holiday periods or childcare moments to organize. Availability may therefore differ from one group to another.

Where Does Childcare Take Place?

Cokido groups choose their own childcare locations. These are typically child-friendly community spaces such as:

• Community centres
• Schools
• Local community buildings
• Occasionally, a participant's home (provided safety requirements are met)

The specific location depends on the arrangements made within each group.

What Does It Cost?

Cokido is designed to be an affordable childcare solution.

Membership

• €30 per family per year
• The fee is the same regardless of the number of children in your family

Insurance Included

Your membership includes insurance covering:

• Civil liability
• Physical accidents
• Legal assistance for participants

Childcare Sessions

Childcare sessions themselves are generally free. If a group chooses to use a venue that charges a fee or organizes a special activity with additional costs, those expenses are shared among participating families.

How Does Cokido Support Groups?

Cokido provides practical tools and guidance to help groups run smoothly.

The Cokido App

The app helps participants:

• Register for childcare sessions
• Manage schedules
• Keep track of childcare turns
• Coordinate activities with other families

Guidance and Support

Each group receives:

• A start-up guide
• Tools for documenting agreements
• Support regarding venue arrangements
• Assistance from the Cokido team when questions or concerns arise

Why Choose Cokido?

Unlike traditional childcare services or holiday camps, Cokido is built around cooperation between families. By sharing childcare responsibilities, families can:

• Reduce childcare costs
• Build stronger neighbourhood connections
• Meet other parents
• Develop a local support network
• Gain more flexibility during school holidays

This can be particularly valuable for international families who may not yet have friends, relatives, or other support networks nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak Dutch?

Not necessarily. While much of Cokido's online information is available in Dutch, the initiative welcomes all Leuven families. Communication practices may vary between groups.

Can grandparents or other caregivers participate?

Yes. Childcare contributions can also be made by grandparents and other caregivers.

Is this only for school holidays?

School holidays are a primary focus, but each group decides independently when childcare sessions will be organized.

Is childcare professionally staffed?

Cokido is based on cooperation between participating families rather than professional childcare provision. Families work together to organize and supervise activities.

Additional Benefits

Cokido members can also access discounts and offers from partner organizations. Throughout the year, Cokido organizes events such as workshops, lectures, and family activities that help parents connect and strengthen the community.

Interested in Joining?

To learn more or find a Cokido group, contact the Leuven Childcare Desk:

📧 info@kinderopvangleuven.be
📞 016 27 26 43

You can also visit www.cokido.org for additional information. Please note that the website is currently available only in Dutch.

Helpful Dutch Vocabulary

Whether you're looking for affordable childcare, hoping to meet other parents, or searching for support during school holidays, Cokido offers a community-based approach that helps families solve childcare challenges together.