Posts about early childhood education, daycare, and children's services.
I see early childhood education as the start of every child's education and one of the municipality's most important tasks. High-quality early childhood education gives children the foundations for comprehensive school, regardless of their home circumstances. That is why I have opposed savings that only push costs further down the line, from discontinuing club activities to the government's removal of municipal early childhood education plans and kindergarten-specific equality plans. Those cuts went through, stripping municipalities of quality-assurance tools for marginal savings.
The shortage of early childhood education teachers is nationwide, and municipalities compete for the same teachers even on salary. High unemployment has eased it only temporarily, so investing in employer appeal is still the right response. As a Kirkkonummi councillor I have seen day care places fall behind the families moving into new development areas. In 2021 I defended a municipal home care allowance supplement, but I have since changed my view: home care allowance substitutes for day care that would support a child’s linguistic and social development.
Related posts
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A cold harvest for Kirkkonummi — a weak budget
The government's mid-term session cut state subsidies and corporate tax. This significantly narrows the room for manoeuvre for local councils.
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Education is the municipality's most important task
Education is the municipality's most important task. Investment in education pays off far into the future — there are no quick wins.
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Cutting early childhood education funding does not pay
The government plans to cut funding for early childhood education planning. In practice the costs will simply be transferred to municipalities.
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Local nature must be cherished
Not every forest needs to be felled. Local nature that is in active use in particular must be preserved, and it is an important part of our municipality.
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Kindergartens need teachers
Kindergartens suffer from a severe shortage of early childhood education teachers. Kirkkonummi has an opportunity to build a new kind of workplace.
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The adequacy of early childhood education must not be compromised
There is already a shortage of early childhood places in Kirkkonummi's centre. New plans will increase demand — adequate provision must be secured.
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Early childhood education club activities — in the best interests of children
Early childhood education club activities are cost-effective support for children and families. Their future in Kirkkonummi is, however, uncertain.
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The Kirkkonummi supplement is your benefit too
The Kirkkonummi supplement benefits not just recipient families — it strengthens the whole municipality's vitality and appeal to young families.
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Home care allowance supplement — a small cost, a big difference
Kirkkonummi council abolished the home care allowance supplement. A small cost, but a significant benefit for families and the municipality's vitality.
