Zoetermeer is committed to improving collaboration to ensure equal educational opportunities
In the coming years, children in Zoetermeer will receive extra support in language and math starting at age 2. To this end, childcare providers, schools, youth services, and other partners will work together even more closely. In this way, the municipality aims to prevent learning gaps and ensure that every child starts third grade in elementary school on an equal footing.
Start earlier
Research shows that the early years of life are crucial for children’s development. That is why the new approach focuses on children ages 2 through 6. By providing children with extra support in language and math during this critical phase, learning gaps can be addressed earlier. This gives more children the opportunity to start third grade with a solid foundation and to develop to the best of their ability.
Better Coordination Between Child Care and Education
Child care organizations and schools will work together even more closely. Efforts are also underway to improve the alignment between what children learn in preschool and in elementary school through a so-called continuous learning pathway. This will make the transition to elementary school smoother. In Zoetermeer, many childcare centers and elementary schools are located close to one another, often even in the same building. This offers excellent opportunities to further strengthen collaboration. In addition, the municipality continues to invest in programs that are already proven to support the development of young children, such as preschool education and the VoorleesExpress.
Councilmember Anne-Lise Olsthoorn (Education and Youth): “By improving coordination between education and child care and investing in children’s language and math skills from an early age, we can address learning gaps sooner. This way, we give more children the opportunity to develop to their full potential.”