Early childhood education (VVE).

Early childhood education entitles the child to two extra half-day sessions per week (in addition to the two standard half-day sessions). This prevents or reduces (threatening) language delays in children. The development of children's speech and language is stimulated by these extra half-day sessions. These children then make a better start at elementary school. Pre-school education is for children from 2 years and three months until they attend elementary school.

Early childhood education is for children in grades 1 and 2 of elementary school who still need additional support in their language development. Elementary school implement this for children aged 4 to 6. Do you have questions about early childhood education? Please contact your child's elementary school.

The municipality ensures that there are sufficient places for preschool education at preschool facilities. In Hellevoetsluis, children for whom VVE is good can attend toddler care centers run by Kinderkoepel. They have VVE-certified staff and use a special VVE program.

• As a parent of a child between the ages of 0 and 4, you will be invited several times to visit with your child at the Child and Family Center (CJG) for consultation.
• The youth nurses and doctors at the child health center do exercises and tests with your child. For example, they can see if your child sees and hears well. But also whether your child has a language deficiency. If the visits to the clinic indicate that extra language support would be beneficial for your child, you will receive an application form for preschool care. This means that your child may attend toddler care 4 half-days a week.
• You sign your child up for preschool.
• You pay an income-related parental contribution for the first 2 half-day sessions of toddler care per week. The municipality pays for the third and fourth half-day sessions per week.

• Do you have an income up to 120% of the social assistance standard? Then the municipality will also pay the parental contribution for the first and second half-day for you.
• If you (single parent or both parents) are working, studying or taking an integration course, you can apply for Childcare Allowance from the Tax Administration. With this allowance you can pay part of the costs for the first and second half-day care. Because the municipality pays for the third and fourth half-day, you may not apply for Child Care Allowance for these.