Caretaker acting VSA Minister Christopher Wever with training participants.
PHILIPSBURG--Seventeen persons, who completed the Van Wiechen Training in early childhood development from October 28 to November 1, received their certification during a ceremony at Baby Wellness Clinic, on Friday.
The Van Wiechen study is intended to guide the development of healthy children from birth to 4.5 years old, and track mild to moderate abnormalities in their development. It also helps professionals to quickly identify severe pathological issues, so the affected child can be speedily referred to the appropriate specialists at an early stage.
Once abnormalities are recognised, the professionals who administer care also register their findings in what is called the Van Wiechschema. Children with significant challenges are diagnosed and routinely monitored.
During Friday's ceremony, Caretaker acting Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour VSA Christopher Wever told graduates he was very proud of their accomplishment. He commended the staff of Collective Prevention Services (CPS), Section Youth Health Care, for organising the five-day training. “It remains of utmost importance that we systematically chart the child’s development during consultations and guide the parents, especially during this tender age of a child’s life,” said Wever.
Dr. Selma van der Harst facilitated the training.
Wever said Van der Harst has made a personal commitment to the improvement of healthcare in St. Maarten. “She brings with her a wealth of experience that enhances our local professionals’ knowledge and technical skills to execute the Van Wiechen method in Youth Health Care.”
Youth Health Care doctors and nurses in St. Maarten and the Caribbean Netherlands participated in the training.
Wever said he believes that early detection of developmental disorders can significantly increase the chance of finding slutions and of identifying the appropriate medical specialists needed to assist the vulnerable.
