Vversterk is the Dutch national programme aimed at raising the quality of Early Childhood Education and Care. Sardes Educational Services is responsible for the national coordination.

ECEC

Vversterk is the Dutch national programme aimed at raising the quality of ECEC (in Dutch VVE). The programme comprises in-service training for playgroup leaders and teachers, courses for managers and policy makers and support programmes for training institutes. The Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science provides the funding and several educational institutions carry out the programmes. Sardes Educational Services is responsible for the national coordination. The first Vversterk period ran from 2006 to 2010. The second period runs from 2010 to 2014.

Vversterk basic modules
The basic training is intended for playgroup leaders and teachers who have little or no knowledge of VVE. At the moment sixteen in-service training modules are available. The basic modules deal with various VVE topics and questions. The training programmes for special primary education and medical day nurseries fit in with te regular Vversterk courses.

Vversterk advanced modules
Preschool playgroups and day nurseries can also draw up an advanced learning package consisting of a maximum of five topics. These modules give suggestions on how to put theory into practice. In the advanced modules themes from the basic modules are pursued in greater depth. The advanced modules are intended for staff members who possess sufficient VVE knowledge.

Vversterk management modules
Managers, internal advisers and lower school coordinators are offered modules on change management, coaching staff members, development of vision and strategy and the implementation of a good VVE policy. Developments regarding the harmonisation between playgroups and day nurseries are also discussed.

Publications

The Basis. Theory and practice of early childhood education. Sardes, 2008.
Beyond the Basis. A further look into early childhood development. Sardes, 2011.
Vversterk Forward. A fresh push forward for strong Early Childhood Education and Care in the Netherlands 2010-2014. Sardes, 2011.
Vversterk: Strenghthening Early Childhood Education and Care. The Vversterk project in 2006-2010. Sardes, 2011.

For information: Jeroen Aarssen, e-mail J.Aarssen@Sardes.nl

This site has been modified on 10-01-2012