Brussels (Brussels Morning – January 27, 2024) Flemish Member of Parliament Roosmarijn Beckers is urging for increased focus on the attendance of toddlers in nursery schools, citing concerns about their early development. Beckers emphasizes the importance of early education for young children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, stating, “That is extremely important because in nursery school children are already taught early literacy and numeracy and brought into contact with new contents and competencies that, especially in disadvantaged environments, cannot be learned or learned less adequately by the average parent.”
Positive Trends in Preschool Participation, But Concerns Remain
Recent education statistics reveal positive trends in preschool enrollment, with high rates among three, four, and five-year-olds in the Flemish Region. Despite the lowering of the compulsory education age, nursery participation remains consistently high. However, concerns arise regarding the effective attendance of five-year-olds, with significant discrepancies between entitlement to school allowance and direct admission to mainstream primary education.
Challenges and Disparities in Preschool Attendance
Beckers highlights disparities in preschool attendance across different regions, with Limburg, Antwerp, and Brussels Capital Region facing varying levels of attendance challenges. Particularly concerning are areas such as Lanaken, Genk, Maasmechelen, and Beringen, where attendance rates are notably lower. Beckers emphasizes the critical role of preschool in laying the foundation for future academic success, stressing the importance of addressing attendance issues to support children’s cognitive and affective development.
