Insufficient Specialized Staff in Hamburg Kindergartens
In Hamburg's kindergartens, the number of employees without pedagogical qualifications is on the rise. A study by the Bertelsmann Foundation reveals: the qualified staff in kindergartens are facing additional strain as a result.
Last year, only 16% of Hamburg's kindergarten teams boasted a high competence ratio, defined as when 80% of the staff possess at least a relevant educational degree. In 2017, that figure was 20%. Hamburg trails the federal average of 32%, making it one of the countries with the lowest competence ratios, with only Bayern being lower at 3%.
Simultaneously, the proportion of kindergarten teams with less than half of the staff recognized as competent has increased, to 17% in the last year from 12% in 2017.
Low Competence Ratios Reduce Work Quality
Kathrin Bock-Famulla, an expert in early childhood education at the Bertelsmann Foundation, commented: "Hamburg is trying to address the staff and space shortage by recruiting staff without formal pedagogical prerequisites." She cautioned against a persistent drop in the competence ratio. Studies have shown that a low competence ratio within a team burdens the professional staff and compromises the quality of work. The professional expectations of the competent staff could be threatened as a result.
Overburdening Leads to Staff Turnover
The overall burden on kindergarten staff is at a critically high level across Germany. A further study by the Justus-Liebig University in Gießen and the Bertelsmann Foundation revealed that around half of the surveyed kindergarten employees felt overburdened daily or almost daily. As a result, many qualified staff leave the profession.
lun/dpa
Luna Baumann Dominguez
Luna Baumann Dominguez, born in 1996, has a fondness for German Roller Mice. This affection has earned her several victories in her favorite card game "Hens." Born in Möchengladbach, she has moved 13 times in her life. For the WDR in Cologne, she completed an internship in the Economic News Department. She started her Bachelor's degree in Communications Science primarily to work for the University Radio in Münster. There, she founded the feminist radio show "Equals" and interviewed Reggae musicians, even having the drummer at a Dub Inc concert in Paris hold off the French television for her. The folks in the Ruhrgebiet - big on friendly banter, warm-hearted, and always direct - are already missing her. Nickname: lun
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Insights:
Inadequate staffing levels in kindergartens can result in a range of negative consequences, including operational challenges, reduced quality of care and education, increased stress on remaining staff, and potential challenges in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. These challenges serve to exacerbate existing inequalities in education and could limit enrollment capacity in extreme cases. Addressing these staffing issues is crucial to maintaining and improving the quality of care in kindergartens.
- For a conducive learning and personal growth environment, it is essential to maintain a high competence ratio in kindergarten teams, as studies have indicated that a low competence ratio within a team can burden the professional staff, compromise the quality of work, and even threaten the professional expectations of the competent staff.
- Aiming for personal growth and self-development, Luna Baumann Dominguez, an expert in communications science, aspires to make a meaningful impact in journalism and radio broadcasting, having already demonstrated her commitment by founding the feminist radio show "Equals" during her university days.
