Preschool: learning through play
Hero is a great place for your child to learn through play, embark on fantastic adventures together, have fun and make some great first friends. Preschool is ideal preparation for primary school. With around 28 locations in Haarlem and Spaarndam, there will always be a suitable preschool facility near you!
Activities
Children are introduced to the daily rhythm of activities and encouraged to play at our preschool facilities. We sing songs together, build things in the construction corner, complete puzzles and make cakes in the sandpit. A toddler’s world literally grows on a daily basis. We are constantly adding new, exciting activities that challenge and engage the children at an appropriate level.
Familiar faces
While a toddler’s world expands at a fast rate, they still need a great deal of security too; enjoying a quick cuddle with a trusted caregiver when things have gotten a bit too exciting, for example. For many toddlers attending our facilities, it’s the first time they are spending longer time away from their parents. It goes without saying that seeing familiar faces is important to them. That’s exactly why we work with close-knit, small teams and fixed groups. We also allow plenty of time for the morning drop off so that parents can stay a little longer if necessary. A group consists of no more than 16 toddlers.
Design
There are three elements that contribute to a child’s development: the child itself and the other children they spend time with, the adults that care for them, and the environment they are surrounded by. Our day-care centres are designed with the children in mind to promote learning, curiosity and creativity. Children tend to just start running wild in an empty space, while a well-designed space encourages focused play. Play is an important part of a child’s development, and offering opportunities for development is an important part of our educational policy. Read more about how we intentionally design our day-care centres to optimise development.
Types of care
We feel it’s very important to offer the kind of care that is best suited to your child and your family situation. That’s why you can choose from 3 different types of care:
- Preschool
We offer ‘standard’ preschool at three different locations spread across Haarlem and Spaarndam. These locations are set in primary schools, just like most other preschool facilities. Your toddler is welcome to enjoy lots of fun activities with our educational staff. - ‘Klaar voor de start’ preschool
Most of the Hero preschool locations work with the special Uk & Puk play and learn programme. This Early Childhood Education (ECE) programme devotes extra attention to the children’s (language) development. ECE teaches children the Dutch language, how to deal with rules and interact with other children through play. All our educational staff have completed special ECE training, in order to effectively guide and stimulate your child’s development. This will ensure your son or daughter is completely ready to start primary school at the age of 4. You can read more about ‘Klaar voor de start’ preschool here. - ‘Peuterplus’ group
Hero has a ‘Peuterplus’ group at two locations in Haarlem. These groups are intended for toddlers (2-4 years) with developmental and behavioural challenges who would benefit more from a smaller group and/or need an appropriate approach. Hero offers the children a familiar place with extra attention for optimal development. We do this by adapting the environment and the programme to the child’s needs. The ultimate goal is to provide a broad range of education and/or care.
Looking for a preschool facility near you? Take a look at our location page.
