Alderwoman Mariëtte van Leeuwen visits 2Penselen
Working together for a good start

How do we ensure that every child in The Hague gets a good start? That question was central to Alderman Mariëtte van Leeuwen's visit to our location. As the new Alderman, she was introduced to the preschool and spoke with colleagues from pedagogical practice, the preschool sector, and policy regarding the quality of childcare, early childhood education (VE), and collaboration with the education sector. Joining the table were Janna Eilander (pedagogue), Bregje Tolenaars (pedagogical coach), Fahima Boudouan (unit manager), and Annemieke Tasma (policy advisor for education and VE).

Meeting what children need

Janna spoke about the transition from the Puk en Uk early childhood education method to Piramide. This involves not only working with a new method, but primarily the way pedagogical professionals view children and their development. “If you arrange the space well so that children can engage in play, that is sometimes even better than organizing an activity.”
A well-designed pedagogical environment gives children the space to discover, play, and learn independently. The question always remains: what does this child or this group need? The collaboration with Dak Kindercentra and the developments within Collectief Kindontwikkeling were also discussed.

Working on quality

An important topic in the discussion was the question of how we can further improve the quality of childcare and preschool. This involves not only knowledge, analyses, and methodologies. Professional experience, intuition, and trust also play an important role. By observing and listening closely to children, and by giving pedagogical professionals the space to act based on their expertise, we can better align with what children need.

From conversation to the group

After the substantive discussion, the alderman was introduced to the daily practice in the group. The children were read to with Puk, and then it was time to dance together. Naturally, the children and the alderman joined in enthusiastically: “Jump like a frog, fly like a bird!”
At first, the children were mainly curious about all the grown-ups in their group. But they soon felt completely at ease. The alderman also joined them during lunch. She helped spread butter on sandwiches and asked the children: “What would you like on your bread?”

Good cooperation for a good start

The visit concluded with a discussion on what The Hague needs to ensure children grow up and develop as well as possible. According to the alderman, good cooperation between education and childcare is essential in this regard. By investing in children early, problems can be prevented later on and children are given more opportunities to develop. “The sooner you invest, the more you reap the benefits later.”
Especially in neighborhoods where differences in opportunity are clearly visible, childcare and preschool education can play an important role in creating equal opportunities. “Not everyone is born with equally good prospects and the same resources. Childcare and preschool are essential to offer all children a good start.”
The alderman also emphasized the importance of being familiar with the services available in the neighborhood. Parents need to know what support and facilities are available for their children. “Childcare and preschool offer your child, as it were, a springboard to a bright future. I want to encourage every parent to make use of this opportunity.”

Childcare and preschool offer your child, as it were, a springboard to a bright future. I want to encourage every parent to take advantage of this opportunity.

– Mariëtte van Leeuwen

Alderman for Youth and Education