Early Childhood Education in Crisis: Thousands of Caregivers Missing, Toddlers to Be Turned Away from Subsidized Daycares

Three weeks before the start of the school year, the early childhood education sector reports a shortage of about 3,500-4,000 caregivers in subsidized daycares. More than 20,000 toddlers will be left out of daycares, an increase of about 20% compared to last year. In the past year, hundreds of classrooms were closed, and children were moved to private frameworks that raise prices. One caregiver is responsible for six infants on average, a figure lower than the OECD average of one caregiver per four infants.

Three weeks before the start of the school year, the early childhood education sector reports a shortage of about 3,500-4,000 caregivers in subsidized daycares, as published this evening in the Kan News broadcast. More than 20,000 toddlers will be forced to stay out of subsidized daycares in the coming year, an increase of about 20% compared to last year. In the past year, hundreds of classrooms were closed, and many children were moved to private frameworks that raise prices due to demand. In the current workforce, and with about 20% of caregivers leaving their jobs during the year, one caregiver is responsible for six infants on average, a figure lower than the OECD average of one caregiver per four infants. Data published last month shows that the education system lacks 3,000 teachers and 200 kindergarten teachers, of which 100 are in special education. The shortage is concentrated mainly in the Tel Aviv and central district, and focuses on scientific subjects. At the end of last July, the number of missing teachers and kindergarten teachers stood at 5,000, a figure that may indicate successful work by the Ministry of Education in reducing gaps, but the reality on the ground is different: beyond the change in measurement method, the real shortage is actually filled by teachers without proper training.