Demand for Expansion of Inclusive Early Childhood Education

"Inclusion and participation are fundamental values of our society. Every child has the right to be supported from the very beginning. Education should not be a privilege - it is a right for everyone," said the initiative. On October 26, 2008, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities was signed. This also obligated Austria to ensure the rights of people with disabilities, including the right to education in the sense of an inclusive education system.

In Vienna alone, 1,500 children with disabilities are waiting for an appropriate kindergarten place

In Vienna alone, 1,500 children with disabilities are currently waiting for an appropriate kindergarten place. Due to a lack of capacity, children with increased support needs are often excluded from the mandatory kindergarten year. For the sponsoring organizations, there are too few resources. For the children, this means they are deprived of essential development opportunities and educational chances. At the same time, parents - often single mothers - find themselves in economic hardship due to limited employment opportunities.

The initiative therefore calls for nationwide minimum quality standards such as adequately trained staff, appropriate group sizes, and support opportunities. It is essential that all children also receive a place in kindergarten. This requires a clear commitment from the government as well as the provision of the necessary financial resources by the federal government, states, and municipalities, it was stated.

(APA/Red.)

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