Opposition Member Hem Chand has praised the government’s initiative to regularize appointments of Early Childhood Education (ECE) teachers and extend classroom hours for ECE. In a recent Parliament session, following Education Minister Aseri Radrodro’s announcement of the full-day learning rollout in ECE centers, Mr. Chand acknowledged the importance of these changes, highlighting that they elevate ECE teachers to the same level as their peers in primary and secondary education.
Reflecting on the historical context, Mr. Chand noted that ECE teachers were previously paid as little as $50 a week, an issue that has seen significant improvement since the government began paying their full salaries after August 1, 2016, following a job evaluation exercise that recognized the essential role ECE teachers play in shaping a child’s foundation for learning.
The transition from half-day to full-day sessions marks a significant positive shift in the educational landscape for young children. However, Mr. Chand urged careful planning and comprehensive resource allocation to ensure that both students and teachers benefit from this change. He emphasized that the success of full-day classes depends on meticulous monitoring and a well-supported infrastructure to accommodate the increased demands of full-day learning.
He expressed concerns regarding the readiness of all ECE centers, pointing out that some may lack the necessary resources to implement full-day classes effectively. “It’s crucial for the Ministry of Education to ensure that all ECE centers are adequately supported,” he cautioned, advocating for a conducive learning environment free from overcrowding.
As the government moves forward with this initiative, there is hope that with thoughtful planning and engagement with educators and families, full-day learning can truly benefit the educational experience for the youngest learners, offering them enriching educational opportunities that contribute positively to their overall development.
Leave a comment