The 'Canarias 03' platform, which represents workers in the first cycle of Early Childhood Education, organized a demonstration at San Telmo Park. This action is part of a national strike called for May 7 by the CCOO Teaching and Citizen Services Federations.
“"We have up to 18 children aged 2 to 3 years per educator."
Among the main demands of the educators are the need to reduce classroom student ratios, the inclusion of an educational partner per class, the hiring of support specialists for students with special needs, and a substantial improvement in salary conditions.
“"We are not demanding privileges; what we seek is to do our job well: if our conditions improve, the education of Canarian children improves."
The mobilization coincides with a statement from the Ministry of Education, issued after the Council of Ministers, committing to review, before summer, the decree regulating minimum requirements for educational centers. The goal is to include ratio regulation for 0-3 year-old classes to reduce them.
Currently, in the Canary Islands, the ratio is eight infants, thirteen 1-2 year-olds, and eighteen 2-3 year-olds per educator. The platform requests that these figures be aligned with European Union recommendations, which suggest four infants, six 1-2 year-olds, and eight 2-3 year-olds per educator. It is highlighted that ratios in Spain are significantly higher than in the rest of Europe.
The current situation causes stress for professionals and impacts the quality of children's education, especially for those with special needs. The platform, represented in all autonomous communities, seeks to unify the fight for higher quality early childhood education. In Tenerife and La Palma, similar mobilizations to that in Gran Canaria are expected, pending necessary permits.
