HS Sprint project: ‘Preterm Playgroup Project’

Unlocking Brighter Futures for Preterm Children from Disadvantaged Backgrounds

 

Project lead: Elise Roze (Erasmus MC)
Partners: Maasstad Hospital, Groot Rotterdam
Team: Nicole Lucassen (EUR), Ashley Smit (Erasmus MC), Jasper Been (Erasmus MC), Koen Joosten (Erasmus MC), Mariette Houtsma-van der Meer (Groot Rotterdam), Johan de Klerk (Maasstad Hospital)
 
Duration: January 2026 – December 2026

Summary

Preterm birth combined with low socioeconomic status creates a double risk for developmental and academic challenges in children. Although preschool education is proven to support healthy development and reduce early disadvantages, participation among low SES families remains low due to financial and structural barriers. This implementation project transforms scientific insights into practice by offering free preschool education to preterm-born children in Rotterdam South and integrating active promotion through pediatric counseling during neonatal follow-up visits.

More information about this project

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