Look after thy neighbour’s children: new community childminding scheme could be rolled out from next May
Following a successful three-month test run in the Vysočina region, the Czech state is currently considering the nationwide extension of neighbourhood children's groups, in which a maximum of four young children are cared for by a member of the local community, who is reimbursed by the state for their childminding service.
The Czech Chamber of Deputies is currently considering an amendment to legislation on the care of young children, which would give local responsible adults the opportunity to earn income looking after groups of four children, aged between six months and six years, in their own home. The idea is that the system will provide childcare in places where there are no kindergartens or regular children's groups, such as in rural areas and small villages, and is intended to remedy the current general lack of free spaces in kindergartens.
According to the amendment currently under discussion, the maximum of four children per group would include the caregiver’s own children or grandchildren. The requirements for space and operation would be assessed by regional labour offices, and permission to provide the service would be granted by the Ministry of Labour. Certain qualifications will be required to become a carer; they would have to undergo training, at least four hours a year, and they would have to take a first aid course at least once every two years. Hana Hajnová (Pirates), former deputy governor of the Vysočina Region, explained some of the requirements:
“You have to have relevant education as a teacher, nurse or social worker, or pass a requalification course for nannies or teacher’s assistants. There is no need to equip your home with special miniature sinks and toilets, but you do need to make a place for the children to sleep in.”
The state payment for carers in this scheme would be 80% of the typical rate for private kindergartens. For this school year, the price is 5144 CZK. Carers would earn the full amount if care is given for at least five hours per day, and would be paid half for three to five hours per day. State money would not be given for the carer’s own child. If a carer were to look after four children (excluding their own) for at least five hours a day for a whole month, they would receive four full allowances from the state, approximately 20,600 crowns before tax and expenses. The amount would be reduced for childcare provided over fewer hours and fewer days.
Jiřina Kunášková, head of the family-policy concept department of the Ministry of Labour, yesterday presented to journalists the results of a three-month pilot scheme, conducted in Vysočina since August. Forty-three children attended seven test groups, and Ms. Kunášková reported that the system worked and was beneficial for the parents involved.
