Every Rotterdam toddler aged 2 to 4 can participate in a Toddler Group for a few hours a week. Singing songs, crafting, and playing together with other toddlers is paramount. But a Toddler Group also prepares children for primary school. You can also register your toddler.
At the Toddler Group de Nieuwe Haven in Feijenoord, Angelina (3 years), Aaryan (2.5 years), and Rylan (3 years) are playing. Rylan is working on a puzzle with pedagogical staff member Nezha. Nezha has been working at the Toddler Group for years. She enthusiastically says: It is beautiful to see how children develop. They bloom and grow.
Pleasantly Surprised
We help them with counting, recognizing colors, and expanding their vocabulary. Or with toilet training. Parents are often pleasantly surprised. “Can they do this already?” they say. You also notice that children are incredibly proud when they have just learned what a chicken is, and you ask them to pick up the toy chicken. That is beautiful to see.
Playing Together
Patrick Burkx-Elderkamp is the location manager at de Nieuwe Haven. He also speaks enthusiastically about the Toddler Group. We have 2 groups every day. One in the morning and one in the afternoon. When you bring your child, you can always come in for a moment. Read a book together or play a game. Children often enjoy that moment.
Fixed Daily Routine
‘When the parents are gone, we have a fixed daily routine, including eating and drinking moments and outdoor play. A Toddler Group is really focused on preschool education. We teach the children to put on their jackets themselves, we have circle discussions, and we read aloud. A Toddler Group is just like a small school, but playful. The morning ends on time so that toddlers who still need it can take a nap at home.
Open Day
On Wednesday, June 18, Toddler Groups in Rotterdam will hold an open day. Between 10 AM and 12 PM, you can visit one of the participating Toddler Groups with your child. You can drop in to play, look around, and ask questions. Staff members are happy to explain. You are not obliged to anything afterward and are not bound by anything. Check at rotterdam.nl/peutergroep. Link opens an external page where you can go with your Toddler Group.
More Information
The municipality contributes to the Toddler Groups. How much you pay as a parent for the care depends on your situation. You can read more about it at rotterdam.nl/peutergroep. Link opens an external page. The municipality also supervises the safety and quality of the groups together with the Education Inspectorate.