SVIZ with signatures for fewer children in kindergarten groups
The Union of Education, Education, Science and Culture of Slovenia (SVIZ) today began collecting signatures to eliminate the possibilities of municipalities to increase the number of children by two in departments. This option was enacted more than 20 years ago as a temporary measure due to numerous births. Today, the situation is different, but in the proposed amendment to the kindergarten law, the flexible norm is not eliminated.
In kindergarten, according to the current norms, there may be a maximum of 12 children in the first age section, and a maximum of 22 children in the second age section. As President Sviza recalled at the start of collection of signatures Marjana Kolarthe flexible standards, according to which two more children are allowed in the ward, introduced more than twenty years ago, when many children would remain at the door of kindergarten due to many births if the norms were held in full. “In the introduction of a flexible norm, it was planned to be a temporary measure. The exception turned into a rule. As a rule, municipalities demanded more enrollment from kindergartens. Municipalities also planned an increased volume or merely for financial reasons. This interferes with the quality of work in kindergartens, « said Marjana Kolar.
She added that the needs of children are much different today than decades ago, and the structure of children is different, there are many whose mother tongue is not Slovenian, and the number of children with deferred schooling is not decreasing. Although the number of births is reducing, the proposed amendment to kindergartens, which is to be discussed at the June session of the National Assembly, preserved a flexible norm, Marjana Kolar warned. « Moreover, it is determined as a rule, or the municipality has almost a completely free choice, and its possibility is limited only exceptionally. »
They hope to support parents
Not only in Sviz, but also numerous experts and kindergarten associations, point out that it is a measure that saves municipalities in particular. Similarly, she said Hermina Valenčič from Koper Kindergarten. “We are closing departments, three in our kindergarten this year, and the rest are complemented by the largest possible standard plus two children at the request of the municipality. However, we include children of immigrants, children with special needs, emotional and visual problems … We know that more children in the department mean more stimuli, less physical space, less attention and time offered by an expert to an individual child. All experts say and research shows that pre -school period is extremely important. During this period, the child gets the foundation for further development. Also, the problems that manifest in elementary school can be mitigated during the pre -school period. But with such a number of children in the group, this is not possible. ”She added that we should not save in children. “Decisions need to be aware of their responsibility. Therefore, we strongly say that the flexible norm must be completed. «
Marjana Kolar emphasized that the profession is unanimous in this issue. “Maintaining the flexible norm is professionally inadequate. That’s why SVIZ decided to collect signatures. ”They will be collected by 16 May. Secretary Secretary Secretary Branimir Štrukelj He said that they would also invite parents who understand that this is essential for the quality of pre -school education. He added that this amendment to the law was an opportunity for the state and municipalities. “To show what they say. If we say that Slovenian kindergartens are good, we assure them that they will remain. The state and the municipalities are ready to devote something to it. If this is not, this will be a very important message of what we really think of pre -school education. That the cost is what is essential in insisting on the flexible norm and not the quality of pre -school programs on which the future of our children depends. «
