The municipality of The Hague has launched a new approach to promote equal opportunities for young children: free preschool education (VVE) combined with the deployment of specialized toddler consultants. This was announced by the PO-Raad, the sector organization for primary education.
Free preschool as an investment in equal opportunities
With this free offering, The Hague aims to remove barriers for parents who might otherwise drop out due to costs. Preschool education targets toddlers aged two to four who need extra support in their development, for example in language, motor skills, or social skills.
In the Netherlands, VVE is legally enshrined for children at risk of falling behind. Municipalities are tasked with organizing this provision, often in collaboration with childcare organizations and primary schools. The Hague's decision to make it free deviates from common practice, where parents usually pay a personal contribution.
Role of toddler consultants
A striking element of The Hague model is the deployment of toddler consultants. These professionals serve as a bridge between parents, childcare, preschool, and later primary education. They identify developmental delays at an early stage, advise parents, and ensure a smooth transition to primary school.
The toddler consultant is not a new profession, but is being used more explicitly in The Hague as a key figure. This aligns with broader insights in youth care and education: early and coordinated support between different services delivers better results than fragmented help.
Connection with national developments
The Hague initiative fits into a national trend to place extra emphasis on the first 1,000 days of a child's life. The national government and various advisory councils have long advocated for more investment in early childhood, because prevention at a young age is more effective and cost-efficient than intervention later in life.
At the same time, the childcare system is under pressure due to staff shortages, rising costs, and waiting lists. Municipalities are therefore experimenting with different forms of organization and funding. The free offering in The Hague can be seen as an attempt to increase participation in VVE, especially among families who might otherwise remain out of sight.
What does this mean for parents?
For parents in The Hague, this change means concretely:
- No more personal contribution for preschool education, reducing monthly costs for families
- Access to a toddler consultant who answers questions and provides support for the child's development
- More continuity in guidance from toddler age through to primary school
Parents who want to know if their child qualifies for VVE can contact the municipality or their childcare organization. The toddler consultant can also help with registration and determining the right support.
For parents outside The Hague, the Hague model is worth keeping an eye on. If it proves successful, other municipalities may adopt it. The PO-Raad is closely following these developments and sharing knowledge about effective forms of collaboration between childcare and education.