The government is expanding early childhood education by opening or enhancing 30 kindergarten facilities, ensuring free access to pre-primary education for children over four. Subsidies covering 80% of private kindergarten costs and fully-funded school meals for children aged four years and five months will benefit around 60,000 families, marking a significant step towards improving the well-being of children and families nationwide.
What is the government’s plan for expanding early childhood education?
The government plans to open or enhance 30 kindergarten facilities, aiming for free access to pre-primary education for all children over four. This includes subsidies covering 80% of private kindergarten costs and fully-funded school meals for children aged four years and five months, benefiting around 60,000 families.
National Kindergarten Expansion
In an ambitious move to bolster early childhood education, the government has announced plans to either open or enhance 30 kindergarten facilities across the country. Social Welfare Deputy Minister Marilena Evangelou revealed the initiative, indicating that these institutions won’t just cater to the standard morning routines but will extend their services into the afternoon. The groundwork has already been laid for the first two kindergartens, set to be established in Yeroskipou and Derynia, with contracts inked and preparations underway.
The inception of these new kindergartens aligns with the government’s broader educational strategy. The aim is to guarantee free access to pre-primary education for all children over the age of four. This move follows the successful passage of a related bill through the House education committee, with the final vote by the House plenum on the horizon.
Subsidies and Benefits
Evangelou shone a light on the current program that subsidizes 80 percent of the costs for children over four years of age attending private kindergartens, highlighting its success. The support extends to covering tuition and school meals, which will be fully funded by the government from September for children aged four years and five months. As a result of these measures, approximately 60,000 families are experiencing improved financial well-being.
Adding to these family-oriented initiatives, there’s a five percent boost in child benefits. The Deputy Minister emphasized that these efforts are part of a larger goal to modernize legislation centered on children, aiming to refresh the foster care and adoption laws by autumn. These updates will also address the needs of unaccompanied minors who arrive in Cyprus seeking refuge, ensuring their proper resettlement—this aspect of child welfare has been escalated to the European Commission, with Vice President Margaritis Schinas providing assurances during a recent visit.
Foster Care and Adoption Reform
The government’s commitment to child welfare shines through with the revelation that 190 children are currently part of foster care programs in Cyprus. Additionally, 290 children are in semi-independent living arrangements, often under the care of foster guardians from their country of origin who possess some form of residence status in Cyprus.
This renewed focus on foster care and adoption intends to create a more supportive environment for these vulnerable children, offering them the stability and care they need. It’s part of a comprehensive approach to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Supporting Legislation and Future Prospects
The legislative changes on the table are poised to transform the landscape of early childhood education and child welfare in the country. By expanding access to education and strengthening the support network for children in need, the government is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and supportive future for the youngest members of society. With these changes, the government aims not only to enhance the quality of life for families and children but also to invest in the nation’s future by ensuring that every child has the best start in life.
What is the government’s plan for expanding early childhood education?
The government plans to open or enhance 30 kindergarten facilities, aiming for free access to pre-primary education for all children over four. This includes subsidies covering 80% of private kindergarten costs and fully-funded school meals for children aged four years and five months, benefiting around 60,000 families.
What benefits will families receive from the expansion of early childhood education?
Families will receive subsidies covering 80% of private kindergarten costs for children over four years old, as well as fully-funded school meals for children aged four years and five months. Additionally, there will be a five percent increase in child benefits for families.
How will the new kindergartens operate?
The new kindergartens will not only cater to the standard morning routines but will also extend their services into the afternoon. The first two kindergartens are set to be established in Yeroskipou and Derynia, with plans to open or enhance a total of 30 facilities across the country.
What other initiatives is the government undertaking to support child welfare?
In addition to expanding early childhood education, the government is focusing on reforming foster care and adoption laws to create a more supportive environment for vulnerable children. The aim is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to grow up in a nurturing and supportive environment, with a comprehensive approach to child welfare.
