PM'ers Romy at VE 2Koninkjes in the center of The Hague and Nadine at VE 2Ballonnen in Monster are standing outside their own location. They tell their story about their commitment to the preschool for toddlers.

Theme 'hugs' from preschool to home
Already 17 locations for a better start at primary school

Children are welcome at our seventeen locations preschool, also called Preschool Education (VE). And that number is growing steadily. We believe it is important that every child gets good and equal development opportunities. Because those who start with a disadvantage can suffer from it for the rest of their lives. At the preschool in both the day care and the toddler care (formerly toddler playgroup) we pay attention to children who can use extra support. This gives them a better start in primary education. Pedagogical staff such as Romy (26) at 2Koninkjes in The Hague and Nadine (22) at 2Ballonnen in Monster we work from our social heart to realize that conviction.

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Nadine: “Connecting with the development of each child and stimulating him or her to develop is fantastic and sometimes challenging. For example, because of the differences in behavior and skills, other habits and structure than at home and difficulty with the Dutch language. It is true that happy children ensure my job satisfaction. But I also radiate the opportunity to develop myself and to think along about making the preschool even better.”

Romy: “With toddlers from 2,5 years old, I work with the recognized and playful program Uk & Puk. It felt like a compliment when a parent said: 'When my child is in bed at night, he first tucks in his cuddly toys, gives them a goodnight kiss and sings a lullaby to all his cuddly toys'. It's wonderful when you notice that a theme such as 'cuddly toys' with friend Puk continues at home. It's up to me to make it educational and surprising for every child every day.”

What does VE mean for the child, the parent and you?

Romy started immediately after completing her studies and internship at 2Koninkjes: “Since 2009, we have been offering preschool to both toddler groups. VE does not only apply to children with an indication obtained via the CJG. We believe that we can help them all progress in this neighbourhood. This way, their step to school will be less big. With various activities in themes, the toddlers play, discover and move together with Puk. They learn words and practice with numbers in a playful way. They also learn what it is like to function in a group and to play and share together. We follow the child's development closely and involve their parents by, for example, letting them play along during a drop-in morning. I really feel at home here; it's wonderful that I can contribute my bit.”

Three toddlers listen attentively to PM Romy who reads to them from a picture book at VE 2Koninkjes Kortenbos center The Hague
Three toddlers watch their toy camera work. At VE 2Ballonnen In Monster a PM explains how it should be done.

Also Nadine started her career at 2Samen with her diploma fresh in hand: “From 2023, we will offer preschool to a toddler group (2-4 years) and a vertical group (0-4 years). A third VE group was recently added for toddlers. In my vertical group, I mainly do sensorimotor activities with the youngest ones up to 2 years old. Experiencing with all the senses is central, in addition to language development through reading aloud and expanding their vocabulary. They learn and do more every day. What I find a shame and difficult to explain are the differences just a few kilometers away. In Westland, a VE indication is possible for children from the age of 2; in The Hague, this is 2,5 years. And only parents from The Hague are eligible for 16 hours of free VE. While the family circumstances, the need or the shortage of childcare places for children with a VE indication are the same.”

We believe that we can help every toddler in the centre of The Hague to progress. That is why VE does not only apply to those with a VE indication via the CJG.

– Romy | pm'er VE at 2Koninkjes

What does your VE day look like? When do you go home happy?

Romy: “I enjoy the spontaneous reactions of the toddlers to Uk & Puk. We transform the room into a specific theme such as 'Oh how warm'. As soon as I tackle the theme corner, five toddlers come up to me. They enthusiastically get to work with the materials. That's what you do it for. I also try to tackle the same theme in a slightly different way each time. Because with different activities and materials, a child doesn't make or do the same thing twice. In this way, their different development areas and talents are constantly stimulated.”

Nadine: “In addition to my work on the group, I take on various roles. Think of designing development-oriented activities, continuing the continuous line with the schools in Monster and developing new themes and newsletters. I also enjoy joining consultations with the Kern Monster and various networks in the region. For example, we work intensively with the JGZ, SKT, Westland Culture Web, Western Library, WNTweb and the schools. That means that no VE day is the same for me.”

PM'er Romy points to the signs with Puk to the daily program; they are now going to play outside. Three toddlers listen with their coats on at VE 2Koninkjes Kortenbos center The Hague.
Three toddlers play on the floor with colored magnetic blocks, together with PM'er Romy at VE 2Koninkjes Kortenbos center The Hague

What opportunities and/or challenges do you see for VE?

Nadine: “My ambition is to continue to offer the best for the children at a thriving and growing location such as 2Ballonnen. How? By introducing more parents in the area to our VE program. By keeping current parents and children involved in the care. And by coming up with new activities and themes that connect with the children's world of experience in all groups.” Romy adds: “More variation keeps the work challenging for each colleague and the children motivated. The new theme 'I am an artist' is a great example. I can fully express my creativity in it again.”