Unveiling the Future of Free Preschool Education: Answers to Parents’ Questions

Last week, Education Minister Leela Devi Dookun-Luchoomun shared information on how the 2024 school year will unfold for preschool teachers. Despite his explanations, many questions remain and the parents are still in the dark. Early Childhood Teachers’ Union President Artee Choytooa provides some clarification.

Some changes were made following the first meeting between Minister Leela Devi DookunLuchoomun and school officials. In fact, the minister revised her proposal to satisfy as many school officials as possible. However, the crucial issue for parents remains free education. What will actually be free, they ask? Artee Choytooa clarifies the situation by explaining: “Parents will not pay school fees; everything will be free. However, this total free service will only apply to schools which adhere to the new system put in place.”

That’s not all. Teachers in schools that have opted for this membership will be paid by the Ministry of Education. Artee Choytooa specifies: “Even the rent of the premises which accommodate these children will be covered by the ministry.” (See opposite). It is important to note that the Operational Grant will vary from one establishment to another depending on the number of children it accommodates. This subsidy will not only cover rental costs for premises, but also expenses for electricity, water and school materials, among others.

Thanks to free education, children will benefit from increased attention from childcare workers. In fact, the latter will only take care of a group of 15 children, unlike the number of 25 children mentioned during the first meeting between the minister and school officials. However, questions remain about the impact of free education on the quality of education provided to children. Artee Choytooa dismisses these concerns, saying: “I know many parents ask this question, but there is no reason to doubt it. The teachers follow the educational program already established.” In any case, with this new ratio between children and childcare workers, the recruitment of additional staff should be implemented soon.

But another question remains, that of the opening hours of establishments. Usually the hours of operation are from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. However, childcare workers remain in the institutions until 2:30 p.m. An extension of the hours until 3 p.m. is being studied. Artee Choytooa points out that little information is available on this subject. “At the moment, it’s still a little vague. There are so many things to put in place if we ever implement this measure.

However, the child minding service remains in effect. This will be an agreement between those in charge of the establishments and parents, to allow children to stay after school hours or arrive before opening. Additionally, this service will be available during the holidays. However, it is not part of the free framework and parents will have to pay for this service, as well as for extracurricular activities.

On the other hand, nursery schools which do not adhere to the new system will continue to receive a subsidy of Rs 400 per student. Of the 775 nursery schools, 652 have already indicated their intention to integrate the new system of the Ministry of Education.

**Questions for…**

Caroline Arekion Directrice de l’Early Childhood Care and Education Authority (ECCEA)

“Private operators must continue to provide quality service»

Can you inform us of the planned changes in preparation for the admission of kindergarten students in 2024?

Admission of students to kindergarten is generally done at the start of the school calendar, i.e. in January of each year. It’s the same case in primary school and there is no change. What is special about kindergarten, however, is that children are admitted throughout the year once they reach the age of three. Options for a well-established Kindergarten admissions schedule are being explored and we will attempt to establish specific dates for the transition to be made in an appropriate manner for the child.

With the implementation of free education, are there any concerns about the quality of education provided to children?

Quite the contrary. The grant affects all components so that all schools can offer quality service to children. What used to be a major concern for private schools, i.e. paying teachers’ salaries, providing adequate educational facilities for children and of course, covering other operational costs, such as rent, bills public services or even maintenance costs are now covered by the government. This therefore relieves school operators, but they remain private operators who must continue to offer a quality service, as many already do. The Ministry and the ECCEA recognize the good work that private schools are already doing and I think that this Grant-In Aid Scheme can only provide further motivation to these operators. The grant cannot encroach on the service they already offer, and I think that all the school’s expenses are already very well covered.

Private schools will have to comply with all ECCEA standards. Can you give us an overview of the criteria the authority is looking for?

The criteria the authority looks for are already well established in law, the ECCEA Regulations 2011 and the ECCEA Norms and Standards 2013. This has not changed. There are certain criteria to respect, including the minimum number of children which is ten. That the school complies with health and building standards as well as the adequate number of qualified teaching staff for a group of children, among others. Of course, we also have a look at the program, the teaching equipment and the physical environment of the school.