What are you looking for?
Being truly seen: this is what ‘Everyone Seen’ means at KinderRijk
We particularly focus on care and attention for one another at KinderRijk. This commitment is even further underscored this year in the theme: ‘Everyone Seen’. Whether you are a child, a parent or one of the childcare professionals: everyone contributes something unique. Careful observation, listening and embracing diversity creates an environment where you can be yourself and feel at ease.
Our educational coach Floor has noticed in her work just how important this is. In the interview below, she explains how childcare professionals help children to feel truly seen, and emphasises the importance of close collaboration with the parents.
Observation with an open mind
Together with her fellow coaches, Floor assists all childcare professionals, which is a key element in KinderRijk’s policy. “We are a learning organisation and constantly encouraging our professionals to make critical considerations,” says Floor. “Every professional has individual skills and ambitions, and together we make sure that are they are fully utilised.”
Besides regular coaching sessions, Floor supports teams with educational issues. For example, in a situation where a child is showing behavioural or developmental concerns. “In such cases, I usually ask the childcare professionals in the group open questions. What do you see is happening? And what could this mean? This is how I support childcare professionals: by helping them find their own solutions.”
“Together we are stronger in finding a child’s needs.”
Where necessary, Floor helps observe the group. “I believe that, even though you move faster alone, together you will be able to go further. I may notice different things, and that’s how we complement each other. Whatever the issue, it always starts with observation. First look and listen carefully before you react.”
From behaviour to need
Floor gives an example of an issue that is frequently raised by childcare professionals: children seeking attention in a negative way. “The focus tends to be placed on the things that aren’t going well. In fact, consistently pointing out the things that are going well will help you turn undesirable behaviour into positive behaviour. It’s wonderful seeing a child start behaving differently straight away.”
If a child’s behavioural concerns persist, we carefully assess what is going on and the steps we need to take. “In such cases, a childcare professional often wants to consult with me,” says Floor. “If necessary, we will involve the location manager or engage external specialists. Of course, we fully involve the parents in every step we take.”
“We are partners in parenting.”
Together with parents
Cooperation with the parents is fundamental in order to gain a fuller understanding of the child. “Children grow and develop in different places and situations. That’s why it’s important to build a strong relationship with parents and stay closely aligned with each other,” says Floor.
We do this in various ways. “We involve parents through the parent app and during the handovers when they drop off and pick up their children. Floor says that observations are moreover recorded in the child monitoring system and discussed with the parents annually. “All these moments help us to identify a child’s needs together.”
Continuous learning, growing together
As an educational coach, Floor is not only indirectly committed to the development of children, but above all to that of her fellow childcare professionals. She helps observe the group and provides tips.
“Everyone Seen also means being mindful of
our childcare professionals’ well-being and job satisfaction.”
Floor can see that the childcare professionals work with devotion and enthusiasm. “For them it’s not just a job. I think it’s wonderful that most of them are willing to show vulnerability and are eager to keep learning. Not just gaining knowledge, but also applying things in practice. In this way, we will maintain high standards in childcare.”
For Floor, the essence of ‘Everyone Seen’ is in truly seeing what’s going on: “Sometimes it’s about a child who needs some extra support. Sometimes a parent who’s having a tough time. Or a childcare professional who can do with a bit of help. Every small sign deserves attention.”
