The Ministry of Science, Education and Youth has sent a letter to the founders of kindergartens, calling on them to comply with the Act and pedagogical standards in kindergartens, warning that irregularities could result in fines of up to almost 2 euros per institution, they reported on Monday.
The law stipulates that the calculation of salaries, benefits and other income of workers in kindergartens owned by local governments shall be subject to more favorable regulations that apply to public servants in the primary school system. The unions are negotiating a collective agreement with the founders of the kindergartens, who are also their financiers, the statement said.
In the letter signed by Minister Radovan Fuchs, the obligation to respect the State Pedagogical Standard is emphasized. The Ministry warns that, in the case of inspections and irregularities found, kindergartens can be fined up to 1990 euros, and those responsible up to 1061 euros. The fines will be financed from the budgets of the cities and municipalities, which are the founders of the kindergarten.
The Ministry also responded to the initiative of associations and unions to improve preschool education, in which they requested the implementation of Article 51 of the Act and respect for pedagogical standards. The Ministry supports the request for greater child safety and better working conditions for educators, in order to enable quality educational work.
The Ministry's reaction comes at a time of increased pressure from unions and associations that have been warning about irregularities in the early and preschool education system for some time. A protest by the Initiative for Early and Preschool Education has been announced, which will take place on April 12th at Ban Jelačić Square in Zagreb.
They recalled the investments made so far in the preschool education system, emphasizing how they are trying to help cities and municipalities create better conditions for quality educational work.
Photo: FAH/Lana Slivar Dominić
