Early Family Support
Early Family Support is a service provided by the Government of St Eustatius, offering assistance to children and families of all ages based on their specific needs. The goal is to help families access the right support at the right time. Every family is unique and may face different challenges. It is not always easy to know where to turn, but Early Family Support is here to provide advice and guidance on what may best support your family.
Supporting Children, Parents and Teachers
A pedagogical advisor works closely with schools to support children, teachers, and parents in addressing social, emotional, and behavioural challenges. Pedagogical advisors offer a range of interventions and counselling programmes to help students manage difficulties, while also providing teachers and parents with extra support. The aim is to ensure that each child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
How to Request Early Family Support
Services can be accessed through:
- Your child’s daycare centre, school, or after-school programme
- Baby clinic
- Office of Court of Guardianship
- Youth Care (ZJCN)
- Expertise Centre Education Care (ECE)
- Midwife or doctor
When to Consider Early Family Support
You may want to seek support if:
- Your child's needs are unclear or require more help than you can provide alone.
- You notice a significant change in your child's appearance, behaviour, health, or emotional state.
- A major event has affected your child, or there are concerns about their home or parental situation.
- A child, parent, or professional has raised a concern or requested an assessment.
- There are parental challenges such as substance misuse, domestic violence, physical or mental health issues, or criminal activity.
- Your child is struggling with learning, missing developmental milestones, or making slower progress than expected.
- Your child is showing challenging or aggressive behaviour, misusing substances, or engaging in illegal activities.
- They have experienced bereavement, family breakdown, or homelessness.
- Your child is a teenage parent or the child of teenage parents.
For More Information
For more information or to discuss support options, contact the pedagogical advisors.
The office is also open for in-person visits.
