Frequently asked questions (FAQ).
Any questions? Check the FAQs. If your question is not listed here, you can mail your question to klantcontact@skar.nl or contact us by phone at 026 - 445 71 57.
Top 10 FAQs
1. Is there a waiting list?
Register your child first. Then we will contact you about the possibilities.
Whether there is a waiting list depends on:
- the age of your child
- the effective date
- the desired days
- the chosen location
In addition, children who already have a brother or sister at Kwink's shelter are given priority.
We always try to meet the wishes of your request. Is this not (completely) possible? Then we will call you to discuss whether (temporarily) other days or locations are also possible for you.
As soon as we know when we have a place for your child, your customer advisor will contact you.
2. What does it cost?
You can find our rates here.
If you fall under the Childcare Act, the government helps to pay for childcare. You can easily calculate your personal net costs (after receipt of childcare allowance) using the calculation tool on our website.
3. When will I receive a response to my application?
After registration you will receive a confirmation of registration by email. The customer advisor will then contact you. You can read how long this takes here:
I would like my child to start within a month
We aim to respond to your request within two weeks.
I would like my child to start within six months
Once a month we make a new schedule. We will then contact you. You will receive an email from us or we will call you.
I would like my child to start in six months or later
We will contact you approximately six months in advance. You will then receive an email from us or we will call you.
4. What about exchanging hours?
Read here how it works with exchanging hours at Skar.
5. How can I adjust my contract?
You can change your contract to better suit your needs. When reducing your contract hours, take into account a notice period of one month. Whether you can change the day depends on the possibilities at the location. Do you want to change your contract? Send an email to klantcontact@skar.nl or call us between 8.30 am and 12.30 pm on 026 - 445 71 57.
6. How can I cancel childcare?
You can cancel in writing: send an email to klantcontact@skar.nl. Childcare can be terminated per day and the notice period is one month. We use the date on which your email arrives to us when processing your cancellation.
7. I want to use preschool play group and I receive compensation for this from the municipality (= subsidy). What do I have to submit to Skar?
If you want to use preschool play group for which you receive compensation from the municipality, you must submit the following documents to us:
- Signed contact
- Signed N-WKO statement (this is part of the contract)
- Income data
Contract and N-WKO statement
You have received a contract and an N-WKO statement from us. You can sign both documents and return them to us via your computer or smartphone.
Income data
Send the most recent income data for you and your allowance partner, if any, to klantcontact@skar.nl. Preferably do this via a secure email. By income data we mean a salary slip, benefit specification or the annual statement from last year.
We use your income data to determine which rate (parental contribution) applies to you. Do we not have your income data? Then you pay the rate without compensation from the municipality. For more information about our rates, visit www.skar.nl/en/rates.
Is your income or work situation changing?
You are obliged to inform us of this. Call 026 - 445 71 57 or send an email to klantcontact@skar.nl.
Good to know
You can only use a preschool play group with compensation from the municipality if you are not entitled to childcare allowance.
8. Where can I find more information about the parent portal?
Click here for more information about the parent portal.
9. Can I only purchase childcare during holidays?
Yes, you can purchase holiday care for this. If you submit a request for full days of out-of-school care two months before the desired holiday, we will certainly have a place for your child(ren). You can indicate the desired vacation days via klantcontact@skar.nl. If approved, you will receive a holiday contract from us.
Not a Skar customer yet? Then register your child(ren) first via our website. This form of childcare also has a notice period of one month and cannot be exchanged.
10. Does Skar also offer flexible childcare?
Skar only offers care on fixed days of the week in a 40-week or 52-week arrangement. See www.skar.nl/en/rates.
Changes 2023
Our services and rates will change on January 1, 2023. View all changes with frequently asked questions at skar.nl/2023.
Register, modify and terminate contract
How can I register my child?
Registration must be done through our website. Registration is without obligation. After registration you will receive a confirmation of the application from Skar. Here we explain what you can expect from us.
Do I need to pay a registration fee?
No, Skar does not charge any registration fees.
Can I take a look at the location?
Are you curious about Skar's childcare? Feel free to come and have a look at the location of your choice. Fill in this form and we will contact you as soon as possible to make an appointment.
Where can I find Skar?
Skar has locations in Gelderland. You can easily find the nearest location on this page.
What do I need to state at BSN (citizen service number) when my child has not yet been born?
When your child has not yet been born, you can leave this field empty. As soon as your child is born, you can provide us with the BSN.
What should I fill in for first name if my child has not yet been born?
Is your child not yet born? Then fill in 'Baby' for first name.
When will I receive a response to my application?
After registration you will receive a confirmation of registration by email. The customer advisor will then contact you. You can read how long this takes here:
I would like my child to start within a month
We aim to respond to your request within two weeks.
I would like my child to start within six months
Once a month we make a new schedule. We will then contact you. You will receive an email from us or we will call you.
I would like my child to start in six months or later
We will contact you approximately six months in advance. You will then receive an email from us or we will call you.
Who is my personal customer advisor?
On the page of your location, you will find the details of the location manager and your customer advisor on the right-hand side.
How can I adjust my application?
Have you applied for childcare and do you want to change something? Send an email to klantcontact@skar.nl or call 026 - 445 71 57.
The registration form freezes at a certain page, why does this happen?
The registration form contains a number of mandatory fields. When these fields are not, or incorrectly, completed, you cannot move on to the next page and a red box will appear indicating which field needs to be completed.
Is there a waiting list?
Register your child first. Then we will contact you about the possibilities.
Whether there is a waiting list depends on:
- the age of your child
- the effective date
- the desired days
- the chosen location
In addition, children who already have a brother or sister at Skar's shelter are given priority.
We always try to meet the wishes of your request. Is this not (completely) possible? We will then call you to discuss whether (temporarily) other days or locations are also possible for you.
As soon as we know when we have a place for your child, your customer advisor will contact you.
My child goes to the daycare and will soon turn 4. Do you have a place at the out-of-school care?
For a smooth transition between day care and after-school care (bso), we recommend that you register your child at least six months in advance.
Bso guarantee
Has your child been using daycare for at least six months? And does it then flow on to the out-of-school care? Then we offer bso guarantee. This means that your child is guaranteed to be cared for on the requested days at a Skar out-of-school care location.
Do you want bso guarantee? Register your child at least six months in advance. The choice of school must then be known.
Good to know: sometimes a school is linked to a location. If you choose such a school, we will place your child at the location that is linked to the school. Is the linked location full? Then your child will be cared for at a different location until there is room again at the linked location.
Would you like more information about the link between school and location?
Then contact us. Send an email to klantcontact@skar.nl or call 026 - 445 71 57.
Where can I find the terms of delivery?
The terms of delivery can be found via this link.
Where can I find the house rules?
The house rules can be found via this link.
How can I register my child for the pre-school playgroup?
The pre-school playgroup is part of the daycare. When you choose 'daycare' at the 'Type of care' box, you can then select a location where we offer the pre-school playgroup.
How can I terminate the childcare?
Terminating the contract must be done in writing: send an email to klantcontact@skar.nl. Childcare can be terminated per day and the notice period is one month. We use the date on which your email arrives to us when processing your cancellation
General
Where can I find Skar?
Skar has locations in the province of Gelderland. You can use this link below to find the nearest location.
What are the drop-off and pick-up times when I use a half-day of childcare?
Childcare from 07.30-13.00: pick-up between 12.45 and 13.00.
Childcare from 13.00-18.30: drop-off between 13.00 and 13.15.
Please contact us to check wether this will be provided by your daycare location.
What is the Skar policy regarding vaccinations?
We do not maintain our own policy when it comes to admitting/refusing children who are not vaccinated but follow the policy of the RIVM (National Institute for Public Health and the Environment). When the RIVM policy changes, then we will adjust our policy accordingly, in the prescribed manner.
During the intake of new children at our locations, we will ask whether your child follows the national immunisation programme. This allows us to inform those parents who specifically ask for this information about the number of non-vaccinated children (anonymously) at the location, as it is known to us. Therefore, you will be given the opportunity and insight to make a well-informed choice.
We use the KIDDI app of the RIVM in order to stay up to date with the latest guidelines and required actions with regard to specific diseases. The KIDDI app provides us with up-to-date information about infectious diseases and hygiene guidelines for childcare centres, pre-school centres, and out-of-school care organisations. This information is based on the guidelines for childcare centres of the National Centre for Hygiene and Safety (LCHV), which is part of the RIVM.
My child is sick. Can he/she come to the daycare centre?
It is not always easy to tell when a child can be called "sick". A sick child needs specific care and attention which cannot be provided at a childcare location. The location will have to determine whether and under which circumstances a sick child can be brought in or stay. More information on this subject can be found in the House Rules on this website.
What is the Childcare Act?
The government pays part of the costs for childcare when you comply with the following requirements:
- You work, study, follow a pathway back to work, or you follow an integration course at a certified institution. The same applies to your partner.
- Your child goes to a registered childcare centre.
You can easily calculate your net costs with the calculation tool on our website.
You can also calculate your childcare benefit on the website of the Dutch Tax Authorities.
How can I make an appointment for the application of childcare benefit?
Please send an email to klantcontact@skar.nl, or contact us by phone at 026 - 445 71 57. You can make adjustments with regard to the benefit yourself via toeslagen.nl. We do not offer support for this.
How can I communicate any comment and remarks?
You can find our contact details and response form that can be used to forward your comments and remarks via this link.
My question is not listed, what can I do?
You can email your question to klantcontact@skar.nl, or contact us by phone at 026 - 445 71 57. We are here to help you.
Compensation
How will Skar handle compensation?
All information about compensation can be found on skar.nl/en/compensatie
My invoice
What are the descriptions on my invoice?
These are your contracted services. When you have a BSO package for 52 weeks, whereby the school finishes at 14:45, the invoice will state:
- 52-weeks package BSO (14:45-18:30)
- 52-weeks package holiday weeks
This means that your child can come during the 40 school weeks from 14:45 till 18:30 and during the 12 holiday weeks or school free days from 07:30 till 18:30.
What are the descriptions on my invoice for the pre-school playgroup?
The invoice will state the contracted (partial) days at which your child attends the pre-school playgroup.
For example:
- Pre-school Playgroup WKO (08:30-12:30): your child attends the playgroup morning session and you fall under the Childcare Act. You can apply for a childcare benefit via toeslagen.nl;
- Pre-school Playgroup N-WKO (08:30-12:30): your child attends the playgroup morning session and you do not fall under the Childcare Act. You cannot apply for a childcare benefit, but you are eligible to receive an allowance from the municipality. Skar will handle the financial matters.
- Pre-school Playgroup Advice JGZ does not fall under the WKO: your child has a VE indication (indication for pre-school/early childhood education) and will join the pre-school playgroup for 8 additional hours. These additional hours are free.
Do you want to be eligible for a subsidy from the municipality? Then you must send us the most recent income data of you and your allowance partner, if any.
In what ways can I pay my invoice?
You can pay your invoice in the following ways:
By direct debit
The easiest way to pay your invoice is by direct debit. Do you want to use this? Please contact us. Send an email to debiteurenbeheer@skar.nl or call 026-4457157. You will then receive a form with which you authorize us to collect the invoices automatically.
New: via a payment link
From now on you can also pay your invoice via a payment link. If you have not opted for direct debit, we will now send you an email with a payment link. You can easily pay via this link.
Are you unsure whether the message with the payment link can be trusted? Please always contact us. Send an email to debiteurenbeheer@skar.nl or call 026-4457157.
By bank transfer
You can also transfer your invoice to us yourself. For example via the banking app of your bank. You can also set up an automatic monthly transfer here.
When will the monthly direct debit payments take place?
The Tax Authorities pay out the childcare allowance in advance. Skar collects the direct debit payments on the 3rd of each month in which the child attends the childcare centre. To give an example: you receive your benefit from the Tax Authorities around 20 June for the month of July. On 3 July, the invoice amount for July will be automatically collected by us.
When will I receive the annual statement for the Tax Authorities?
You will receive the annual statement by the end of February. It will be available in the Parent Portal when it has been issued.
I have an 'even/odd' weeks package. How is this described on my invoice?
You will receive an invoice for the actual number of days your child attends the childcare centre each month. This means that the invoice amount will be higher or lower, depending on the month.
You can see below for which month(s) your invoice will be higher. The other months, the invoice will be lower.
Even weeks
Monday: May and November
Tuesday: June and November
Wednesday: June and December
Thursday: July and December
Friday: July and December
Odd weeks
Monday: March and August
Tuesday: March and August
Wednesday: March and September
Thursday: April and September
Friday: April and October
Why does my invoice for the 'even/odd weeks' package show asterisks?
We calculate the actual days per month that are contracted. These actual days are indicated with a *. Behind that, you will see the amount and the number of hours that was calculated.
I do not use holiday care days in a certain month, but I do receive an invoice for this. Why?
The amounts are based on an average per month, calculated over an entire year. Our calculation is as follows:
Hours of care per week x 52 weeks: 12 months = number of hours per month.
Example: Mondays from 07:30 – 18:30 = 11 hours a day x 52 weeks: 12 months= 47.67 hours per month.
I have received a credit note. How does this work?The invoice which has been paid in advance and which proves to be incorrect afterwards will be credited in full. We will then prepare a new invoice.
When the new invoice shows a higher payable amount than the original invoice, then the difference will be automatically settled via the next direct debit. This means that the outstanding amount will be collected together with the next invoice.
When the new invoice shows a lower payable amount than the original invoice, then the difference will be automatically settled via the next direct debit. This means that this amount will be deducted from the next invoice that will be collected.
When you have chosen to arrange the payments yourself, then the invoice will show you whether you will receive a reimbursement from Skar, or whether you will need to pay extra.
Should you be entitled to a reimbursement, then you can settle this against the next invoice, or you can request our Debit department to pay the amount into your account.
When you need to pay extra, the payment term will be indicated on the new invoice.
How can I change my IBAN number?
Please send an email to debiteuren@kss.nl to inform us of any changes in your bank account details. It is not yet possible to do this through your parent portal.
Financial
My income is higher than € 123,000. Am I entitled to the childcare benefit?
Yes, you are entitled childcare benefit. You can easily calculate your gross and net costs with the calculation tool on our website.
Is it possible to transfer the childcare benefit directly to Skar?
No, the childcare allowance is transferred directly to your own account by the tax authorities.
How much do I pay for the childcare?
You can find our rates here.
If you fall under the Childcare Act, the government helps to pay for childcare. You can easily calculate your personal net costs (after receipt of childcare allowance) using the calculation tool on our website.
Do I also pay for childcare during the holidays?
For both the daycare and the out-of-school care, you can opt for a package that includes or excludes holiday weeks. Skar bills the annual costs in 12 monthly terms. An exception to this is the 40-weeks package. For this, the annual costs are divided over 11 terms. This also applies to the pre-school playgroup. This is also billed in 11 terms, whereby you will not receive an invoice for August.
Am I entitled to childcare benefit?
When you are entitled to childcare benefit according to the Childcare Act, the government will help to pay for the childcare. You can easily calculate your personal gross and net costs with the calculation tool on our website.
What are the rates applied by Skar?
You will find an overview of our rates via this link. Please note: these are gross rates. The rates can change annually.
Where can I find the registration number from the National Childcare Register (LRK)?
You can find the LRK registration number of your location on the invoices, in the contract, and on the page of your location on this website.
You can also find the registration number on the website of the National Childcare Register (LRK).
Why is the hourly rate of a 40-weeks package higher than the rate of a 52-weeks package?
The costs for a childcare place are divided over the number of weeks of the respective package. This results in a higher hourly rate for a 40-weeks package than for the 52-weeks package? However, the gross costs of a 40-weeks package are lower than those of a 52-weeks package as the number of hours you have contracted is lower. It depends on your need for childcare and your possible entitlement to childcare benefit whether it would be wise for you to change your contract to a different package. You can easily calculate your personal gross and net costs with the calculation tool on our website.
I or my partner are becoming unemployed. Do I have to cancel childcare?
If you become unemployed, you don’t have to remove your child from childcare right away. You’re entitled to another 3 months of childcare allowance from the day you stop working and, if applicable, you can make use of any unused childcare hours. These unused hours can be used until the end of the year.
Would you like to know how many hours you can still use? Calculate this here.
Note: once the 3 months have passed and you run out of hours, you’re no longer entitled to childcare allowance. Make sure to cancel your childcare and childcare allowance in time. You should do this at least 1 month in advance. That way, you can avoid unnecessary payments later. You can find more information about this on the website of the Tax and Customs Administration.
I want to use preschool play group and I receive compensation for this from the municipality (= subsidy). What do I have to submit to Skar?
If you want to use preschool play group for which you receive compensation from the municipality, you must submit the following documents to us:
- Signed contact
- Signed N-WKO statement (this is part of the contract)
- Income data
Contract and N-WKO statement
You have received a contract and an N-WKO statement from us. You can sign both documents and return them to us via your computer or smartphone.
Income data
Send the most recent income data for you and your allowance partner, if any, to klantcontact@skar.nl. Preferably do this via a secure email. By income data we mean a salary slip, benefit specification or the annual statement from last year.
We use your income data to determine which rate (parental contribution) applies to you. Do we not have your income data? Then you pay the rate without compensation from the municipality. For more information about our rates, visit www.skar.nl/en/rates.
Is your income or work situation changing?
You are obliged to inform us of this. Call 026 - 445 71 57 or send an email to klantcontact@skar.nl.
Good to know
You can only use a preschool play group with compensation from the municipality if you are not entitled to childcare allowance.
I cannot pay my bill. What should I do?
Are you unable to pay your invoice due to money problems? Please contact us. Then we can look at the possibilities together. Send an email to debiteurenbeheer@skar.nl or call 026-4457157 .
Do you not pay your invoice on time? Then you will receive an automatic message from us:
- Mail or SMS with payment link
If you do not pay your invoice on time, we will send you an email or text message to remind you that you still have to pay. There is a payment link in the message. You can easily pay your invoice via this link. Are you unsure whether the message with the payment link can be trusted? Please always contact us.
- Phone call from computer
Do you not pay your bill even after a few reminders? Then you will be called by a computer that reminds you that your invoice has not yet been paid. Would you rather talk to one of our employees? Then you can indicate that. The computer will then connect you.
Parent portal
How does my Parent Portal work? (Manual)
Click on 'more information' to learn more about the various options the parent portal offers. Should you have any further questions after reading the manual, please don't hesitate to contact us at klantcontact@skar.nl or by phone at 026 - 445 71.
Where can I log in to my parent portal?
You can access the login page directly via this link. Here you can log in with your username (email address) and password.
For what can I use my parent portal?
My Parent Portal contains an overview of all your details. In addition, you can:
• Change the name/address details of you and/or your partner and/or child(ren);
• File a request for a structural change in your current childcare days or to extend this with additional days or partial days;
• You can access your invoices and annual statement;
• You can register your next child(ren) for childcare;
• You can report your child absent for a specific day;
• You can see your accrued exchange hours.
The manual explains all options of My Parent Portal and how you can use them.
My Parent Portal does not yet have the option to terminate the childcare contract or to plan Extra Childcare. We are in the process of providing these options via My Parent Portal in the future as well.
Why are there only a few functionalities available on my parent portal?
We chose to build a base for My Parent Portal first, so you can make a few arrangements online beforehand. In the future, we will add new functionalities to My Parent Portal. Naturally, we will inform you as soon as these are ready for use.
What can I do when my parent portal is not functioning?
When the My Parent Portal website is not functioning properly, we kindly request you to try again via another browser or computer. When the Portal is still not working, then please try again later. When My Parent Portal is not functioning substantively, you can send an email to klantcontact@skar.nl and we will answer your question as quickly as possible.
I forgot my password.
Use this link to go to My Parent Portal and click on the link 'forgot password'. You will receive an email with a new password.
What can I do when my username or password is not working?
Go to My Parent Portal and click on the link 'forgot password'. You will receive an email with a new password.
How can I see that a new message is waiting in my parent portal?
You will always receive an email when My Parent Portal contains a new message for you. When you log in to My Parent Portal, you find the button 'inbox' at the top, which has a different colour than the other buttons.
Will any adjustment be processed immediately?
Adjustments in your personal details will be processed immediately in our systems, after which we will use your new details. Changes with regard to the contracted childcare will not be processed immediately.
How do I know you received my application for a new child?
You will receive a confirmation email.
I am (also) a client with KluppluZ. Will these details also be visible in my parent portal?
No, My Parent Portal does not give access to your details regarding KluppluZ.
I also make use of SMI of Plus childcare. Will these details also be visible in my parent portal?
Yes, your My Parent Portal will also give access to the details regarding SMI or Plus childcare.
I don't receive my parent portal messages in my mailbox?
The emails from My Parent Portal may have entered your spam box. When this is the case, you can find them here and add the sender to your list of secure senders, ensuring that you will receive all emails from My Parent Portal in your regular inbox in the future.
How does the parent app work?
Skar uses a parent app. By using a pin code (7400), you can stay up to date with the developments regarding the childcare via your smartphone. You are responsible for checking and keeping your details up to date, as well as for the password. Any changes you enter are binding.
What is the pin of the parental app?
The pin is: 7400.
Products and rates
Want to know exactly what you’re going to pay?
You can easily make a personal calculation via our calculation tool.
Can I change my childcare package?
Yes, you can adjust your package to better suit your needs. Please bear in mind that you need to obtain a 1 month's notice period if you want to reduce the contact hours.
I only need childcare on days that there is no school. Is this possible?
This depends on the availability at the location. If this is possible, you can apply for childcare for these days. You can contact the location directly to arrange this.
Can I change my childcare package?
Yes, you can adjust your package to better suit your needs. Please bear in mind that you need to obtain a 1 month's notice period if you want to reduce the contact hours.
I only need childcare on days that there is no school. Is this possible?
This depends on the availability at the location. If this is possible, you can apply for childcare for these days. You can contact the location directly to arrange this.
I only need childcare during the school holidays. Is this possible?
Yes, we offer Extra childcare for school holidays. When you are already a client at Skar, you can send an email to klantcontact@skar.nl. If the location agrees, than you will receive a contract. When you are not yet a client, then you can register your child(ren) via our website. This childcare package also has a notice period of 1 month and does not include exchangeable days or hours.
I only need incidental childcare. Is this possible?
Yes, we offer Extra childcare for these instances. When you are already a client at Skar, you can arrange this directly with the staff at your own location. When you are not yet a client, then you can register your child(ren) via our website. This form of childcare cannot be cancelled and is not exchangeable.
What are the official holiday weeks?
There are 12 officially established holiday weeks:
- 1 week spring holiday
- 2 weeks May holiday
- 6 weeks summer holiday
- 1 week autumn holiday
- 2 weeks Christmas holiday
What if a school has an additional holiday week?
When you have a contract with a 52-weeks package, you will also be assured of childcare during the extra holiday week on your regular out-of-school care days. This is because this package includes care during all the school-free days, without extra costs. When you have a contract for another package, you can arrange for extra care days. You can do this at your own location.
Will it always be possible to contract early or extended care?
No, this depends on the availability at the location.
My child does not go to Skar for childcare. Can he/she still make use of the hairdressing service?
Yes, when you want to make use of the hairdressing service, you can contact one of our advisors via klantcontact@skar.nl or at 026 - 445 71 57.
How do I know whether a location offers the hot mail service?
Click to see the list with locations that offer this service.
Of course, you can get more information about the extra services at your own location.
What will the parental contribution be when the contract is based on the Social Medical Grounds (SMI) childcare scheme.
When you live in Eindhoven and/or you are using childcare in Eindhoven based on SMI, you will have to pay the difference between the governmental standard and the rate charged by Skar. You will only receive an invoice for your own contribution: the invoice for the governmental standard will still be covered by the municipality. The amounts of hours of SMI you are eligible for depends on your family situation. If you have any questions about this, please contact us at klantcontact@skar.nl or on 026 - 445 71 57. We are available Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5 pm. We’re happy to help you!
Exchange hours
The exchange service, and in particular the limited possibilities due to the staff shortage to use exchange hours, causes a lot of unrest in the group. And is an extra workload for our pedagogical staff. Therefore, from 1 January 2023 no more exchange hours can be accrued. Previously accrued exchange hours remain valid until 365 days after the canceled day, until December 31, 2023 at the latest. You can read how this works here.
Technical
The site is not displayed properly. How did that happen?
This website is designed for a resolution of at least 1024 x 768. The site has been extensively tested for the most common browsers: Internet Explorer, Firefox and Opera. Maybe your system does not have these requirements.
My question is not listed, what should I do?
Is your question not listed? Please contact one of our customer advisors. Send an email to klantcontact@skar.nl or call 026 - 445 71 57.