Expertise Center

In recent years, de Waaier has grown into an expertise center for newcomer education in and around Alkmaar. From the expertise center, we share our knowledge with schools that want to know more about newcomer education. We are happy to think along with you on various topics:

Trauma-sensitive teaching
Trauma-sensitive teaching at de Waaier means that our staff consciously take into account the impact of major life events on the learning and behavior of newcomers. Because children in a language class often have a refugee background or experience other migration-related stress, this approach is essential to creating a safe learning environment. All our staff members are trained in a trauma-sensitive approach.

A newcomer in your class
After a year in the language class, the big day arrives: the transition to your school! It’s an exciting moment because, although the basics of the Dutch language are there, the ‘real’ adventure is only just beginning. In their own neighborhood, the newcomer can make a start close to home.

As the receiving school, you play an important role in this second landing. Trauma-sensitive work doesn’t stop at the language class; at your school too, a newcomer needs time, proximity, and predictability to dare to take the next step. Together, we ensure a warm handover, so that the child feels understood not only in language, but also in heart and behavior.

During the year a newcomer attends De Waaier, we encourage parents to arrange a school enrollment close to home. Once this is finalized, we will involve the new school in the child’s development. Do you have any questions? No problem; just contact us and we’ll be happy to help. We have also created an information brochure for schools welcoming a newcomer into their classroom. Click here to read it.

Aftercare
De Waaier facilitates a one-year aftercare program with ambulatory guidance for the teachers to whom our children transition. We check in on how the children are doing (in various areas) at their new school and share our knowledge.

Training
Would you like more information about newcomers? Do you have a general question? We regularly give presentations to management, internal coordinators, care coordinators, or other colleagues. Feel free to contact us; we are happy to think along with you. To do so, fill out the contact form on the website or send an email to: de.waaier@saks.nl