Free picture book for South Limburg parents to boost early language skills
Parents in South Limburg will receive a free picture book, Treasures of Heerlen, during their child’s first visit to the health clinic. The initiative aims to tackle language delays, which affect one in four Dutch children starting school, by encouraging early reading and interaction.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative | Treasures of Heerlen (part of Language-rich Start programme) |
| Target Group | Parents and children (0-4 years) in South Limburg |
| Distribution | Free during first visit to child health clinic |
| Language Delay Stats | 1 in 4 children in the Netherlands starts school with a language delay |
| Partners | 16 municipalities, libraries, GGD South Limburg, Province of Limburg |
| Launch Date | 13 March 2026 |
| Presented by | Princess Laurentien and Alderman Vrusch (Youth) |
The 16 municipalities in South Limburg, in collaboration with regional partners, lead initiatives like Language-rich Start to improve early childhood development. Their role includes coordinating local efforts to ensure children enter primary school with strong language skills, addressing a critical societal challenge.
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Princess Laurentien unveils ‘Treasures of Heerlen’
In the Netherlands, one in four children starts school with a language delay. This delay is often difficult to overcome later on. Reading aloud helps with language development. That is why all parents receive a free new picture book about the history of Heerlen during their first visit to the child health clinic. The book is called *Treasures of Heerlen* and is part of the *Language-rich Start* programme. This initiative is run by the 16 municipalities in South Limburg, which aim to prevent language delays in young children (0-4 years).
Princess Laurentien has long been committed to improving language development in children. On 13 March, she presented the first copy to Alderman Vrusch (Youth).
Alderman Vrusch: “Every child deserves a fair start. Language plays an enormous role in this. Reading, talking and playing together at a young age gives children an advantage they will benefit from for the rest of their lives. With *Treasures of Heerlen*, we are not only bringing stories into homes, but also our own history. This helps parents and children alike on their way to a language-rich future.”
Start as early as possible
Talking, singing and playing are crucial for a child’s language development. The foundation for language is laid in the first 1,000 days. Everything begins with attention, conversation and language. It is precisely during this early period that 80% of the connections in the brain are formed. Yet nearly half of parents are unaware of this.
Together Strong for a Language-rich Start
*Language-rich Start* is an initiative by all South Limburg municipalities, libraries, GGD South Limburg, Trendbreuk, the Province of Limburg, Stadsregio Parkstad, CZ and Taalschatten. They work together towards one clear mission: to ensure all children start primary school well prepared.