Official opening of integral child centre in Wilhelminadorp

Primary school de Paersacker, childcare Little People and playgroup 'Hummeltje' together form an Integrated Child Centre (ICC).

The organisations were already core partners and have expanded their cooperation. The child centre offers a total solution to families with regard to care, education and guidance of children, babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Toddler play is also offered within the child centre.

The vision of the child centre is that children learn inside and outside school hours. Children are allowed to develop their talents to the full. They are followed from a continuous development line based on the vision and needs of the children and parents. The child centre offers education, of course, but also sports, music, games and care with compulsory and voluntary components from which parents and children can choose.

The entire daily programme is coordinated within the child centre. There is joint work on policy and quality. Themes at school can be continued in a relaxed manner after school. If a child is ready for school earlier or later, this is made possible. The transition from day care to primary school therefore runs smoothly, as does after-school care. Opening hours are adjusted to suit the child's needs.

The official opening took place on Saturday 12 September last. It was a well-attended afternoon. Children from Paersacker primary school gave parents tours of the sites with great enthusiasm.

Councillor, Leo Bisschops spoke at the official opening. From his previous position as Alderman for Education, he initiated and stimulated the developments of Integrated Child Centres in the Municipality of Best for many years. He also reported being proud of Kinderopvang Little People for having grown so much in recent years, even though the numbers in childcare were actually declining during the economic crisis years.

Alderman Bert van Drunen, of Education, Childcare and Preschool and also attended the opening. Together with Eduard Leenders, chairman of Best Education Foundation, he encourages the development of Integral Child Centres in Best.