Preschools and nurseries in Denmark address educator shortage with new training program

Preschools and nurseries are facing a shortage of educators, but a shorter educational program for pedagogical assistants appears to be part of the solution. This program lasts up to three years and one and a half months, though it can be completed in just 42 weeks for individuals over 25 with at least two years of relevant work experience.

Since 2019, the number of pedagogical assistants in nurseries and preschools has surged by 52 percent, rising from 2,115 to 3,217. This increase reflects a growing recognition among municipalities of the importance of professional qualifications for assistants, according to Kim Henriksen, chairman of the pedagogical sector in the FOA union.

In recent years, municipalities have often resorted to hiring students and unskilled workers to meet minimum staffing requirements. However, FOA hopes that more assistants will seize the opportunity to pursue formal training to enhance professional standards. The agreement on minimum staffing ratios aims to ensure an increase in qualified educational staff.

Starting January 1, 2024, the required staffing ratios will be one educator for three children in nurseries and one for six in preschools. Many existing aides may benefit from the short training, as 7,500 are currently eligible to complete the program.

Local leaders, such as Thomas Gyldal Pedersen, the chairman of the Children and Education Committee in Herlev Municipality, are also supportive of these initiatives, underscoring the need for trained personnel to improve the quality of early childhood education. Both KL and FOA have agreed that pedagogical assistants can pursue a merit-based educator qualification with full pay, a move welcomed by parent organization FOLA as a critical step towards elevating standards in preschools and nurseries. Each year, around 1,100 new assistants are enrolled in training programs.