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The foundation for optimum development is laid in early childhood. Children who grow up in difficult circumstances often start their education at a disadvantage. Similarly, success at school is also dependent on social background.

The aim of early learning programmes is to support and stimulate children before they start kindergarten and thereby increase their chances of success. The ‘schritt:weise’ [step:wise] scheme is aimed specifically at families in difficult living conditions who are often having to cope with high levels of stress and would like help and support with age-appropriate activities to stimulate and encourage their children aged eighteen months to three-and-a-half years. The programme lasts eighteen months and involves home visits and group meetings. Carefully selected games and activities are used during the weekly home visits to facilitate the development of the child and to strengthen the relationship and bond between the parent and the child. The families are encouraged to develop their resources. The main purposes of the fortnightly meetings are to make friends in the area, discuss issues about raising children, and to find out about services in the district.

The scheme strengthens the resources and skills of the families and encourages the parents to take responsibility. The children are stimulated and challenged in many ways and prepared for attendance at playgroup or kindergarten.