Early Detection of Childhood Distress: The Key Role of Haurreskolak in Prevention and Care
- Haurreskolak
- Jun 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 13
Why the First Three Years Matter
From birth to age three, children go through a critical stage of development. Drawing on attachment theory (John Bowlby, Mary Ainsworth), we know that the emotional bond formed during this period with a primary caregiver lays the foundation for a child’s future ability to regulate emotions, build relationships, and develop self-worth.
In this window of complete vulnerability, how a child is cared for—physically, emotionally, and socially—shapes the core of who they will become.
This is where Haurreskolak (public child care centers) play an essential role.
Five Key Contributions of Haurreskolak in Early Detection
1. Daily Contact and Ongoing Observation
Educators spend hours every day with children, observing them in varied situations. This gives them a unique vantage point to notice:
Changes in mood or behavior
Developmental delays
Signs of distress or neglect that may go unnoticed elsewhere
2. First Social Space Outside the Home
For many children, the haurreskola is the first experience of life beyond the family. Here, difficulties such as social withdrawal, excessive dependency, or fearfulness can reveal underlying emotional insecurity or stress.
3. Trained and Observant Professionals
Staff are trained to detect red flags such as:
Unexplained injuries
Delayed language or motor development
Regressive behavior
Insecure or avoidant attachment patterns
Poor hygiene or disordered eating
Their role is not to judge, but to observe, document, and support.
4. Safe and Protective Environments
When home life is unstable, the haurreskola may become a child’s most secure space. With nurturing adults, predictable routines, and a calm setting, children begin to:
Trust others
Express themselves safely
Experience emotional regulation
5. Prevention and Intervention Networks
Haurreskolak serve as an entry point to child protection systems. They can:
Detect early signs of abuse or neglect
Communicate with families proactively and empathetically
Activate protection protocols if needed
Collaborate with social services, health care providers, and educators
Legal Framework Supporting Early Action
Early detection and care are not only ethical—they are legally supported. In the Basque Country, several frameworks reinforce this approach:
LOPIVI (2021): National law for the protection of children and adolescents
Basque Law on Children and Adolescents (2024)
Basque Strategy against Violence (2022–2025)
BALORA Decree and intersystem protocols for coordinated care
These regulations promote a shift from reactive to proactive strategies—catching problems before they escalate.
The Power of Early Intervention
Why act early? Because the earlier we intervene, the less lasting harm is done. Like in public health, prevention is always more effective (and cost-efficient) than waiting for a crisis.
Protective environments can serve as “emotional vaccines,” buffering children against adversity.
Supportive caregivers act as anchors of stability in unpredictable lives.
Guided parenting can restore confidence in families, helping them meet their children’s needs directly.
How the Program Works: A 5-Pillar Model
Developed by HIRUBE KOOPERATIBA and HZ GIZEKIMENAK, this program is operational in San Sebastian and surrounding municipalities. It rests on five coordinated pillars:
1. Ongoing Professional Training
Staff receive continuous training on:
Child development
Early warning signs
How to engage respectfully with families
2. Assessment Committees
Regular team-based case discussions help:
Interpret signs of distress
Assess risk levels
Decide whether and how to intervene
3. Counseling and Family Support
Caregivers and families receive personalized guidance. Support includes:
Interpreting children’s behavior
Parenting tips
Referrals to family support services
4. Individualized Intervention Plans
When needed, each child receives a plan that includes:
Risk indicators
Goals
Monitoring methods
Documentation for follow-up
5. Cross-Sector Coordination
The program works as a local safety net, connecting:
Haurreskolak
Schools
Health services
Social services
Recreational and sports centers
This ensures shared responsibility and sustained, community-based support.
Results and Impact
The program is now a benchmark in San Sebastian, present in nearly all:
Public schools
Leisure centers
Pediatric clinics
Sports clubs
Municipal police offices
And, of course, haurreskolak
Each year, around 1,000 cases are handled—with only 5% needing referral to social services thanks to early intervention.
Feedback from participants is consistently strong, with satisfaction scores between 8.5 and 9.5.
Key benefits:
Faster, clearer detection and response
Stronger community networks
More consistent care practices
Shared learning across sectors
Better child well-being and improved parent-caregiver relationships
Final Thoughts: Building a Culture of Prevention
The earlier we detect distress, the more gently we can respond.
Haurreskolak are not just spaces for play and learning—they are frontlines of care, watchtowers of protection, and bridges of trust between children, families, and the wider community.
We don’t need to wait for trauma to act.
We can act early, together, and with care.
By Maider Lopetegi, Esther Sudupe, and Carlos Arguilea (HIRUBE KOOPERATIBA & HZ GIZEKIMENAK)
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