The nurseries in Madrid have hung the "complete" sign for the 2017-2018 academic year, thanks to the lower prices. This measure, which was announced at the end of last year, has allowed families to opt for a daycare center with great economic advantages.
There is no doubt that this is a great help but, in the face of this kind of news, I always wonder: why not allocate resources to favor conciliation policies and increase maternity and paternity leave instead of continuing to fill childcare centers?
More cheaper nurseries and license plates
This year, Madrid families who have enrolled their children in kindergartens have noticed great savings in their pockets. And although the cutoas have been reduced based on their per capita income, in some cases it has meant a discount of more than 50% with respect to the previous course.
This measure has already been noted in this year's registrations, since unlike previous courses, nurseries have filled their places.
Marta Higueras, delegate of Equity, Social Rights and Employment, has also mentioned the implementation of other improvements that come to add to the fall in prices and are responsible for this full:
- Incorporation of two adults per classroom
- Improvements in children's nutrition
Likewise, the Madrid City Council has already launched the creation of fourteen new nursery schools.
And for when better family reconciliation policies?
There is no doubt that the cheaper costs of daycare centers and the creation of more places are large measures to help families, since many are left out and have to resort to private centers or find other solutions to take care of their babies while they work.
But most parents don't just settle for this. We want more:
We want broader maternity and paternity leave,
Aid for mothers or fathers who decide to raise their children at home,
Most committed companies with workers who wish to park their professional career for a time to take care of their children, whether they are men or women.
And ultimately, better reconciliation policies so that we can take care of our children for longer and not have to leave them in a nursery with only 16 weeks of life and, sometimes, during marathon days.
Because, let's not fool ourselves, nurseries or nursery schools they are not necessary for children. They will not serve to "socialize", to "immunize" or "hustle," as many people believe.
The first years of children's lives are key to their emotional and social development. They need to be close to people who give them attachment, security, honey and be an example to grow with confidence.
In daycare centers there are great professionals They will undoubtedly do everything in their power to offer the child the best, but there is no doubt that nothing will replace mom or dad.
Therefore, it is not enough for us to create more nurseries or lower their costs, but we want a change of mentality in society, and more and better opportunities for families who wish to choose to raise at home. In this way, most likely, we would not need to increase nursery places.
Via The Bulletin
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