Last Monday, September 7, Chris Stoffer, parliamentary party leader of the SGP in the House of Representatives, paid a working visit to Elorah. At Wekerom, he opened the 50th Elorah branch together with a mother and her young daughter. Afterwards, he visited Elorah at Barneveld.
Opening Elorah Wekerom
Chris Stoffer emphasized that childcare plays a valuable role in passing on Biblical values to children. He also underscored the importance of 'what is learned young is practiced old'. According to him, toddler care is important for children's personal and social development, prevention, and early detection. He also spoke with Job van Roekel, director of School met de Bijbel Wekerom, about the importance of a good transition between childcare and primary school.
Elorah continues to grow. We expect to open more new locations soon. Nearly 2,000 children visit Elorah weekly.
Introduction to Reformed childcare
At Elorah Barneveld on Parmentierstraat, Chris Stoffer and his colleague Arnold Huizen spoke with the branch manager and pedagogical professionals. They showed great interest in Taalrijk. With this language program, we consciously offer children a rich language environment and support their language development from an early age. Taalrijk demonstrates how childcare has evolved: from babysitting to childcare and subsequently to child development.
Developments within childcare
Chris Stoffer, Arnold van Huizen (SGP), Elly Brand (Board Member Kibeo Child Development), and Arco Grisnigt (Director Elorah) also discussed current developments in childcare, such as the upcoming system change and obstacles regarding facilities and staff. Elly Brand indicated that she prefers to speak of challenges rather than obstacles. According to her, we should not dwell on objections, but instead work together to find ways to offer all children equal opportunities and a solid pedagogical foundation.
The importance of the first 1,000 days in a child's life, locally connected childcare, and the changing way in which Reformed families combine work and care were also discussed.
Role of Reformed childcare
Chris Stoffer spoke appreciatively about the role of childcare, especially for children who need a helping hand.
In addition, he emphasized that the family is the cornerstone of society, but that it should be left to families themselves how they divide childcare and work.
During the conversation, it became clear how important it is for politics, childcare, the church, and education to work together to support families. Chris Stoffer: ''I think it is wonderful that there is Reformed childcare, where you also learn things from the Bible and learn psalms.According to him, the childcare is therefore an extension of what children learn at home.
Thank you, Chris Stoffer and Arnold van Huizen, for your visit and the valuable conversations about the development and future of Christian Reformed childcare.
The opening and the working visit in the media