Omas and Opas

I've noticed that it's not uncommon to see elderly people with small children here. I've learned enough Dutch to recognize the older ones saying "Oma" (grandma) or "Opa" (grandpa) when addressing these people. Thus, I can only conclude that grandparents (grootouders) are a source of childcare. I can only speak for The Hague, but schools close at noon on Wednesdays. I have no idea why, they just do. I'd imagine this can put a strain on a dual income family... although one would assume there would be daycare available to fill this void. But that doesn't seem to be the case. Here again, I have no clue. Maybe the daycare workers also have to pick up their children from school? Either way... I have become accustomed to seeing 1 or 2 older people walking/strolling/biking with a little one. For that I will give Nederlanders some credit. The extended family seems to be more involved and more supportive.