Getting to Know Your International Contacts-Part 3

Trying to find an early childhood professional outside of the United States has proved to be a challenge.  However, last week I was able to receive a response from a co-worker's friend whom lives in Austria.  I had to bombard her with questions since this assignment is coming to an end, however, she loved sharing information about early education in Austria.  Below are questions that I asked of her and her responses related to the education field, issues and trends, and her own professional hopes, dreams, and goals.

What programs are being offered?

·       - Kinderkrippe, Tagesmutter (ab 8 Monaten - 3 Jahre) Nursery School/Home Care (8 mo to 3 years

·       - Kindergarten (ab 3 Jahre - 6 Jahre) kindergarten (3 years to 6 years)

·       - Vorschule (6 - 7 Jahre) pre-school (prep-year if needed) (6 to 7 years)

·       - Volksschule (6 - 10 Jahre) elementary school (6 to 10 years)

Are these programs state funded?

·       - ja die Institutionen werden fast alle vom Staat unterstützt - vorgeschrieben wird allerdings erst der Kindergartenbesuch im 5/6. Lebensjahr (Stichtag ist immer der 1. September) und die Volksschule Yes, almost all programs are state funded. Kindergarten and elementary school attendance is a requirement for 5/6 year olds. Cut-off date is 9/1.

Who pays?

·       - ja, Kinderkrippe und alle privaten Einrichtungen verlangen Geld von den Eltern Parents pay for private programs and nursery schools – kindergarten and elementary schools are free (this is new for the last 6 years)

Types of programs/carrier:

·       - die meisten Einrichtungen sind Gemeinde- oder städtische Einrichtungen die gut vom Staat getragen warden Most programs are supported by their own community/town/city

·       - sehr viele kirchliche Einrichtungen (Caritas) haben vom pädagigischen Standpunkt einen besseren Ruf Most in programs in Austria follow a religious standpoint and have a good reputation

·       - Alternativeinrichtungen wie Montessori- oder Waldorf- oder Waldkindergarten sind eher Rarität und leiden meist unter akuten Geldmangel, da sie meist hauptsächlich von den Eltern getragen warden Waldorf, Montessori programs are offered, but rather rare. Cost to high.

Children with disabilities:

·       - ja, Kinder mit Behinderungen dürfen in jeder Institution integriert werden - es senkt sich nur die Kinderanzahl in der Gruppe und zusätzlich wird ein Stützpädagoge eingestellt (hängt natürlich aauch vom Grad der Behinderung ab) Children are integrated into typical settings. The ratio is lower and based on the disability, an additional support therapist is placed in the classroom.

Curriculum/Standards:

·       - es gibt einen Bildungsplan, den man während der Ausbildung kennelernt - allerdings wie du diese Inhalte in der Praxis umsetzt bleibt dem jeweiligen Pädagogen überlassen - man hat relativ freie Hand (der Träger gibt kaum etwas vor) Each individual program selects their own curriculum based on their believes and philosophy. The state does not set specific requirements in place. A general education plan is taught to students during their early ed studies. However, how these are implemented into the classroom setting is very flexible.

I found it interesting that kindergarten comes before preschool in Austria.  And that pre-school seems to be only used if necessary before starting elementary school.  Previously, before 6 years ago, kindergarten and elementary schools were not free?  I found that interesting and am going to follow up with, Andrea, to find out how school was paid for previously.

·  What issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals are being discussed where you live and work? Wird im Moment ueber die Qualitaet der Frueherziehung/Bildung diskutiert? In welchem Zusammenhang?

Über die Qualität wird immer wieder mal diskutiert, im Moment allerdings ist die Knappheit der Betreungsplätze das große Thema! Da seit ca. 6 Jahren der Kindergarten gratis ist, werden alle Institutionen von Kindern gestürmt - daraus resultiert absoluter Platzmangel und zuwenige Pädagogen (die Qualität leidet daher vor allem im städtischen Bereich - am Land sieht es deutlich besser aus)

From time to time you will hear debates about the quality of early childhood programs. Currently, parents are challenged in finding a program that excepts their child. This results into long waiting lists. Kindergarten in Austria is free, so everybody enrolls their child and intitutions are not able to handle the demand. The quality of the programs suffer as well, however, more in local communities rather than in state-funded programs.

 

·  What opportunities and/or requirements for professional development exist? Werden Weiterbildungen angeboten und gibt es bestimmte Pflichtbildungen an die man nach der Ausbildung teilnehmen muß?

Es wird jedes Jahr ein Kursbuch herausgegeben wo man sich als Pädagoge 1 - 2 Seminare aussuchen kann aber nicht muß! Alle 2 Jahre findet eine Pflichtseminarwoche für alle Pädagogen des Bundeslandes statt (den Kurs kann man sich aussuchen)

Each year, several seminars are offered to early ed professionals/teachers. It's recommended to select one or two, but not required. Every other year, a seminar week is offered. To attend one seminar doing the entire week is a requirement by the state.

 

·  What are some of your professional goals? Was sind Deine professionellen Ziele?

Ich mache derzeit ein Ausbildung zur Früherzieherin und hoffe, dass ich nach meiner "Kinderauszeit" einen Job in einer guten Institution finde, dass mir der Job Spaß macht und vor allem dass die Kinder nicht nur gut versorgt sondern auch glücklich den Alltag erleben können!

Currently, I am taking courses to get certified in teaching infants and toddlers. I am hoping that this will provide me with more opportuninities in finding a better teaching job when re-entering the work force. I am currently a stay at home mom.

 

·  What are some of your professional hopes, dreams, and challenges? Was sind Deine professionellen Hoffnungen, Traeume and Herausforderungen?

Für mich als Pädagogin würd ich mir wünschen, dass die Kinderanzahl in den Gruppen gesenkt wird, und dass mehr Betreuer in der Gruppe mithelfen dürfen (derzeit kommen 23 Kinder auf einen Pädagogen, stundenweise unterstützt durch eine Helferin!) Weiters würd ich mir wünschen dass die Mütter wieder zur Vernuft kommen und nicht ihre Babies im Alter von bereits wenigen Wochen in die Kinderkrippe geben, sondern erkennen wie wichtig die Mama in den ersten Lebensjahren ist!

Außerdem fände ich es toll, wenn das Image der Pädagogen ein bisschen besser werden könnte, dass endlich erkannt wird, dass wir keine Spieltanten, sondern qualifiziert eine sehr verantwortungsvolle Aufgabe zu erfüllen haben!

• Lower adult-child ratios (currently 23 children to one teacher and a para)
• Mothers staying home longer with their children/babies rather than sending their child off to "day care"  
• Better recognition of teachers - many still see teachers as children's play buddy  

It seems as if similiar issues are being discussed in Austria with high-quality early education and waiting lists.  I know a few years ago, it was a challenge to find a child-care center for my children without being put on a waiting list.  That becomes an issue when needing care for employment.  Professional development is much different than the requirements for teachers in PA where you have 5 years to complete ACT 48 credits to keep your certification active.  Haven't thought about the math, wheather a week long seminar every other year adds up to the same amount of ACT 48 credits needed in 5 years, but it is a different approach to professional development than I am used to .  Andrea's hopes and dreams are commendable.  I would have loved to be able to be a stay at home mom for my children and I admire the many families that are able to make that happen.  With the increase of research and discussion about the importance of early education, hopefully, people will begin to see early childhood teachers similarly to elementary school professionals in the aspect of their importance to young children and their families.  Lower adult-child ratios would be on my top to change list!  With the increased academic readiness, integration of disabilities and mental health disabilities integrated into the regular education and preschool classrooms, less children per teacher would be most beneficial.  Even though this blog assignment is over, questions still remain that I am curious about and would like further information....so, if interested feel free to check back.