Under the banner 'Every child to school with a smile,' a growing movement in the Netherlands is drawing attention to the emotional wellbeing of young children in their early school years. That's according to Wijksnieuws. The initiative connects with a broader societal conversation about how childcare (kinderopvang), preschool/toddler care, and primary schools can work together to give every child a safe and positive start.
Wellbeing as a foundation
The wellbeing of young children has long been a key priority within Dutch childcare and education. Research consistently shows that children who feel safe and happy at school learn better and develop more fully. A smooth transition from childcare to primary school plays a crucial role in making that happen.
The childcare sector is already actively working on this. Childcare professionals (pedagogisch medewerkers) work every day to create a warm, familiar environment where children can be themselves. Even so, the move to primary school can still feel daunting for some children — especially when the handover between childcare and school doesn't go smoothly.
Collaboration between childcare and education
A growing number of municipalities and school boards are investing in a seamless continuum between childcare and primary education. Initiatives such as Integrated Child Centers (Integrale Kindcentra/IKC's) bring childcare and education together under one roof, reducing the number of transitions children experience and enabling childcare professionals and teachers to work closely together.
- A warm handover between childcare and school helps children feel at home in their new environment
- Attention to social-emotional development starts in childcare
- Parents play a vital role as the bridge between home, childcare, and school
- Small groups and familiar faces give young children a sense of security
What does this mean for parents?
As a parent, you can actively contribute to a positive school experience for your child. Talk regularly with your child's childcare professional or teacher about how your child is feeling. Ask the childcare center how they prepare children for the transition to school and whether they have contact moments with the primary school. Strong collaboration between everyone involved — childcare, school, and home — lays the foundation for a child who looks forward to each new day.