Since 2022, daycare centers and after-school care (bso’s) are allowed to deploy trainees for 50% of their staffing in the group. Previously, this was 33%. This temporary measure was taken to reduce workload and staff shortages in childcare. The State Secretary wants to make this expansion, which runs until July 1, 2026, permanent. There are still labor shortages, and the expectation is that the tightness will continue for the foreseeable future. The expansion gives childcare organizations flexibility during breaks or staff illness, so they need to close groups less often. The State Secretary asks childcare organizations to pay sufficient attention to the guidance of trainees and to make careful considerations about their deployment. He will engage with the sector on how to address any concerns regarding the deployment of trainees.
Another measure Nobel is preparing is the removal of the rule that after-school care must care for children in a base group. He is examining how the original goal of this rule can be achieved while maintaining quality. He also wants to provide daycare centers with clarity about obligations regarding mentorship and caring for children in a second group. Finally, he aims to reduce regulatory burden in the deployment of pedagogical policy officers. Changing or removing these rules requires amendments to laws and regulations first.
Rules not always clear
The State Secretary also focuses on better communication towards childcare organizations about applicable regulations. There is often uncertainty about this, creating the impression that there are unnecessary rules in childcare. Clarity on this makes childcare more attractive for entrepreneurs and pedagogical professionals.
