Accessible Support in Childcare
POSITIVE REALISM
Tina OpStap is a practical example of positive realism: the reality is that some children, due to more complex care needs, have difficulty accessing preschool.
Faced with this necessity on a weekly basis, Tina OpStap was born. The project runs in close collaboration with vzw Resonans and is now four months old.
It focuses on young preschoolers and provides stimulation in the areas of self-reliance, social skills, and communication.
The project is still evolving. Together with education and welfare partners, we guide each child through a personalized trajectory to ensure a smooth transition into school. The research community and government are closely monitoring this initiative—another pilot project in Flanders!
WHERE DO WE STAND NOW?
Currently, the group consists of about six children. To ensure an inclusive approach, a few children from other living spaces join this group for playtime each day.
To gradually prepare young preschoolers for school, we facilitate a smooth transition. This includes reviewing a visual timeline, similar to those used in preschool classrooms. We also teach children how to put on and take off their jackets, pack and unpack their school bags, and encourage (supportive) communication.
At the moment, we are developing a ‘communication passport.’ This tool will help express the child's unique identity, making them recognizable to both familiar and unfamiliar faces, such as teachers. Of course, Tina OpStap is fully integrated into the broader Villa Clementina framework, embracing its vision and values. We also participate in various workshop activities, such as the arts and crafts studio, the light studio, and visits to the horses.
