Opstap
The objective of the Opstap ('Step-up') programme is to enable parents to stimulate their children's development, where there would otherwise be a risk of educational deficit. Parents help their children to prepare for primary school with a number of exercises and activities that they undertake together with the children. These activities help to:
- enhance the quality of mother-child interaction
- promote interest in learning
- develop cognitive and language skills.
Opstap involves group meetings and visits to the homes of families with young children. The programme has been run with success in numerous Dutch local authority areas for almost twenty years.
Graduate professionals are responsible for the form and implementation of the programme. They train and coach the 'paraprofessionals' who share the language and culture of the parents. These paraprofessionals are informally known as the 'neighbourhood mothers'. Without them, there would be no Opstap. They assist at the group meetings and visit parents (usually mothers) at home.
Useful Information:
Mirjam Sicking
NJi
Tel: 31 30 2306 661
Email: m.sicking@nji.nl
Website: www.stapprogramma.nl
